Lions hooker Dan Sheehan suspended for four matches after 'reckless' ruck clearout
Updated . First published at
British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan was suspended for four matches on Monday for his illegal ruck clearout of Australian Wallaby Tom Lynagh at the weekend.
Sheehan was cited for charging into a ruck and hitting Lynagh's head during Saturday night's third Test won by the Wallabies 22-12 at Sydney's Accor Stadium.
At his disciplinary hearing, Sheehan disagreed that foul play occurred. However, World Rugby's foul play review committee found it to be "reckless" with "a high degree of danger".
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Tom Lynagh braces for Dan Sheehan. Stan Sport
The panel, comprising Wang Shao-ing, Val Toma and Mike Mika, suspended Sheehan from four club matches with Leinster in September and October, but allowed him to be available for the fourth match upon successful completion of World Rugby's coaching intervention, tackle school.
These matches include Leinster's pre-season fixture against Cardiff and United Rugby Championship matches against Stormers, Sharks, and Munster.
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Sheehan's cleanout saw his shoulder make contact with Lynagh's head.
The first-half incident was not punished during the match by referee Nika Amashukeli or television match official Marius Jonker but was cited by World Rugby on Sunday.
Lynagh was forced off for a HIA, which the 22-year-old subsequently failed. This marked his third concussion this season.
The Lions won the overall series 2-1.
