News

Ireland lose Flannery to suspension

Thursday 24th January 2008

Saying Goodbye: Jerry Flannery will play no part in Ireland's Six Nations campaign

Ireland will be without Jerry Flannery for the whole of the Six Nations after the Munster star was handed an eight-week suspension for stamping on Clermont Auvergne flank Julien Bonnaire during the recent Heineken Cup match in France.

The hooker appeared before an independent disciplinary committee in Dublin on Thursday after being called to order by Achille Reali (Italy), the citing commissioner for the match.

After considering the evidence available, the committee determined that "the stamping offence was of the top end in the level of seriousness" and banned Flannery from all rugby up to and including Wednesday, 19 March.

Ireland's Six Nations campaign begins against Italy in Dublin next Saturday and ends against England at Twickenham on March 15 - four days before the end of Flannery's suspension.

The 29-year-old was accompanied at the hearing by his legal representative Donal Spring and Munster boss Declan Kidney.

Both Flannery, who has won 21 caps, and Kidney refused to comment, but Spring confirmed an appeal would be considered.

"We are very disappointed with the outcome and are considering an appeal," said Spring.

The committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan (England) and also comprised Roger Morris (Wales) and John Doubleday (England).

Both Munster and Clermont have the right to appeal.