Champions Cup
Disciplinary Hearings
Red card – Cobus Wiese (Sale Sharks)
The Sale Sharks second row, Cobus Wiese (No 4), was issued with a red card during his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Stade Toulousain at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
Wiese was sent off by the referee, Mike Adamson (Scotland), in the 18th minute of the match for a dangerous clear out on the Stade Toulousain prop, Dorian Aldegheri (No 3), in contravention of Law 9.20.
Rhian Williams (Wales), Chair, Mike Ross (Ireland) and Lawrence Sephaka (South Africa) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference this evening (Monday 16 January).
Law 9.20 Dangerous play in a ruck or maul
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 relating to dangerous play in a ruck or maul carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
Red card – Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
The Exeter Chiefs centre, Henry Slade (No 13), was issued with a red card during his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
Slade was sent off by the referee, Thomas Charabas (France), in the 54th minute of the match for tackling the Vodacom Bulls full back, Kurt-Lee Arendse (No 15), in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Yannick Jauzion (France) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference tomorrow (Tuesday 17 January).
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
Red card – Ben Loader (London Irish)
The London Irish full back, Ben Loader, (No 15), was issued with a red card during his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against the DHL Stormers at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, 15 January 2023.
Loader was sent off by the referee, Ludovic Cayre (France), in the 18th minute of the match for tackling the DHL Stormers out half, Manie Libbok (No 10), in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
Simon Thomas (Wales), Chair, Marcello d’Orey (Portugal) and Tony Wheat (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday (18 January).
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
Red card – Ciaran Parker (London Irish)
The London Irish replacement prop, Ciaran Parker (No 18), was issued with a red card during his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against the DHL Stormers at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, 15 January 2023.
Parker was sent off by the referee, Ludovic Cayre (France), in the 43rd minute of the match for a dangerous clear out on the DHL Stormers back row, Deon Fourie (No 6), in contravention of Law 9.20.
David Martin (Ireland), Chair, Valeriu Toma (Romania) and Chris Watts (Wales) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday (18 January).
Law 9.20 Dangerous play in a ruck or maul
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 relating to dangerous play in a ruck or maul carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
Red card – Jack O’Donoghue (Munster Rugby)
The Munster Rugby back row, Jack O’Donoghue (No 6), was issued with a red card during his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Northampton Saints at Thomond Park on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
O’Donoghue was sent off by the referee, Tual Trainini (France), in the 23rd minute of the match for tackling the Northampton Saints second row, David Ribbans (No 4) in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
Ian Unsworth KC (England), Chair, Nigel Williams (Wales) and Martyn Wood (England|) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Thursday (19 January).
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
Citing complaint – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks)
EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Cell C Sharks wing, Makazole Mapimpi (No 11), arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Union Bordeaux-Bègles on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
Mapimpi is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles scrum half, Maxime Lucu (No 9), in the 36th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.
The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Brian Campsall (England).
Antony Davies (England), Chair, Leon Lloyd (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday (18 January).
Law 9.12 A player must not physically abuse anyone.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to contact with the eye or eye area carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks.
EPCR CHALLENGE CUP
Red card – Elliott Obatoyinbo (Newcastle Falcons)
The Newcastle Falcons full back, Elliott Obatoyinbo (No 15), was issued with a red card during his club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 3 match against Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, 15 January January 2023.
Obatoyinbo was sent off by the referee, Vivien Praderie (France), in the 40th minute of the match for tackling the Cardiff Rugby wing, Jason Harries, (No 11) in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
The independent Disciplinary Committee and the date for the hearing will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
Misconduct complaints – Geoffrey Lanne-Petit and Section Paloise
EPCR has decided to bring misconduct complaints against the Section Paloise Attack Coach, Geoffrey Lanne-Petit, and against Section Paloise arising from the club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 1 match against the Toyota Cheetahs at Stade du Hameau on Saturday, 10 December 2022.
Lanne-Petit is alleged to have committed an act of misconduct in contravention of EPCR’s Disciplinary Rules in that he verbally abused the Assistant Referee, Hollie Davidson (Scotland), following the conclusion of the match.
Also, unidentified Section Paloise players, or persons connected with the club, are alleged to have committed acts of misconduct in contravention of EPCR’s Disciplinary Rules in that they harassed the match officials following the conclusion of the match.
Gareth Graham (England), Chair, David Humphreys (Ireland) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent Disciplinary Committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference tomorrow (Tuesday 17 January).
Content & Images from – EPC Rugby
Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to announce that Academy trio Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan and Mark Donnelly will be promoted to the senior squad in the summer.
We can also confirm that hooker Scott Buckley, who graduated from the Academy to the senior squad in 2022, has signed a contract extension.
Out-half Butler, scrum-half Coughlan (both 21) and 22-year-old prop Donnelly have all signed on for the next two seasons after impressing over their three years in the Academy.
Butler and Coughlan become the first Ennis RFC players to earn senior Munster contracts.
As previously confirmed, Academy lock Edwin Edogbo (21), who also came up through the Munster Youths system with Cobh Pirates, will graduate from the Academy to the senior squad on a two-year deal next season.
Buckley, Butler, Coughlan and Donnelly all made their Munster debuts in the famous Champions Cup win over Wasps in December 2021.
Tony Butler in action against Dragons.
Ennis out-half Tony Butler has earned his first senior contract after a very productive three years in the Academy.
He has made six senior appearances to date, including two starts so far this season against Dragons and Connacht.
A Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s in 2022, Butler now plays his AIL rugby with Young Munster having previously lined out for Garryowen.
He captained Ennis at underage level, teaming up with Coughlan in the half-backs as they enjoyed success in the Munster U16 and U18 Clubs competitions.
Scrum-half Ethan Coughlan is enjoying an excellent campaign with three starts so far this year and eight senior appearances in total since joining the Academy.
He enjoyed great success alongside Butler with Ennis RFC at underage level before captaining the Ireland U18 Clubs team.
He also won a Grand Slam with the Ireland U20s in 2022 and plays his AIL rugby with Shannon.
Prop Mark Donnelly has already made nine senior appearances for Munster after coming up through the ranks at Midleton RFC, Midleton College and CBC.
He was a Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup winner with CBC in 2019 and featured for the Ireland U20s in the 2021 Six Nations.
He joined the Academy that summer before making his Munster debut along with Buckley, Butler and Coughlan against Wasps in December 2021
Along with his nine senior Munster appearances, Donnelly has also played regularly for Garryowen in the AIL over the past three years.
Mark Donnelly at Munster training.
Hooker Scott Buckley (23) has signed a one-year contract having made 25 appearances for Munster to date.
A product of the Munster Rugby Academy, Buckley started out with Kinsale RFC before captaining CBC to the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2019.
He was Player of the Match against Wasps on his Munster debut and made nine appearances last season as Munster won the URC title.
A UCC clubman, he scored the match-winning try against Crusaders at Páirc Ui Chaoimh earlier this month.
Scott Buckley scores a try against Leinster in pre-season.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of 23-year-old winger Diarmuid Kilgallen on a two-year deal ahead of the 2024/25 season.
In further contract news, hooker Eoghan Clarke has signed a one-year deal for next season after rejoining Munster in November.
Prop Keynan Knox has completed his time at the province after scoring three tries in 33 appearances and we wish him all the best for the future.
Diarmuid Kilgallen in action against Ulster in November.
Kilgallen hails from Eadestown in Kildare and has scored 12 tries in 22 appearances for Connacht to date.
He started out at Naas RFC before playing schools rugby for Cistercian College Roscrea on the Tipperary-Offaly border.
He joined the Connacht Academy in 2019 and made his debut against Munster in 2020.
A tall, athletic winger, he scored five tries in eight appearances last season and has five tries in six appearances so far this year.
Eoghan Clarke made his first start for Munster against Crusaders earlier this month.
25-year-old hooker Clarke has signed on for next year after impressing since returning to the province in November.
Clarke spent three years in the Munster Academy before departing for Jersey Reds in 2021. He won the English Championship with Jersey last season but the club went into liquidation in October.
He has made five appearances for Munster since returning, including a debut against Bayonne in December and a first start against Crusaders at Páirc Uí Chaoimh earlier this month.
24-year-old tighthead prop Knox departs after over seven years at Munster Rugby.
He joined the Academy midway through the 2017/18 season after completing his second level education with Michaelhouse in South Africa.
The Young Munster clubman made his senior debut against Dragons in September 2019 and moved up to the senior squad in 2020.
Knox featured in eight games last season as Munster clinched the URC title. In total, he scored three tries in 33 Munster appearances.
We wish Keynan all the best with his next move.
Keynan Knox at training last month.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
The Munster squad started preparations on Monday ahead of Saturday’s vital Investec Champions Cup clash against Northampton at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
There are a limited number of tickets remaining here.
Find out all you need to know ahead of the match here.
There were no new injuries to report after the win over Toulon on Saturday.
Following a consultation last week, Jack O’Donoghue will not require surgery on his knee injury and will be managed conservatively by the medical department. He is unavailable for three to four months.
Oli Jager is continuing to follow the return to play protocols and his availability for the Northampton game will be determined later this week.
There is good news for Jack Daly (ankle) as he returns to training this week.
Cian Hurley (ankle/achilles) and Mike Haley (hip) are increasing their training demands and will target a return to play in the coming weeks.
Continuing to rehab: Jack O’Donoghue (knee), Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Jean Kleyn (eye/knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder), Roman Salanoa (knee), Mike Haley (hip), Cian Hurley (ankle/achilles).
There were eight Munster players in AIL action at the weekend.
Academy out-half Tony Butler kicked two penalties and a conversion for Young Munster as they were beaten 23-13 by Cork Constitution at Temple Hill. Chris Moore started at hooker for the Cookies.
Academy scrum-half Jack Oliver kicked two penalties and a conversion for Garryowen in their 23-10 win over UCC at the Mardyke. Colm Hogan scored a try for Garryowen with Academy prop George Hadden also featuring.
Jack O’Sullivan started at no.8 for College.
Evan O’Connell was in action for UL Bohs as they were beaten 34-7 by Old Crescent.
Video | Graham Rowntree Interview
Tickets
Champions Cup Round 4: Saturday, January 20
Munster Rugby v Northampton Saints, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, February 3
Munster Rugby v Crusaders, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 5pm; SOLD OUT
URC Round 11: Friday, March 1
Munster v Zebre Parma, Musgrave Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
