News article – Style E 4407

Cited Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has admitted “there was no malice or wilful intent involved” on his part in the alleged punching incident with Wales’ Robert Sidoli last Saturday.

O’Connell – who tangled off-the-ball with the Welsh second row on 54 minutes – said: “While the incident may have looked a little ugly, there was no malice or wilful intent involved on my part. Robert Sidoli and the referee accepted this in good spirits and once we shook hands, we both got on with it.”

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan added: “We have been notified of the citing and the hearing. I have spoken with Paul and I accept the interpretation that it was more of a frustrating and harmless scrap with no intent to hurt or injure on his part. Knowing Paul and his reputation, I accept that explanation for something that we all know would be out of character.”

O’Connell’s hearing will take place at the Heathrow hotel in London on Wednesday, March 23.