O’Brien Suspended For One Week

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien has been suspended for one week for striking contrary to Law 10.4(a). He will be unavailable for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in Cardiff.

Following a review of available camera angles, Sean O’Brien was cited by independent citing commissioner Dougie Hunter (Scotland) under Law 10.4(a) for striking with the hand, arm or fist during last Sunday’s Pool D match against France at the Millennium Stadium.

O’Brien admitted committing an act of foul play and therefore the independent judicial officer Terry Willis (Australia) upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed an act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(a).

Willis conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative.

With respect to the sanction, the judicial officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of two weeks. He considered that there were no aggravating factors and took into account compelling mitigating factors, including O’Brien’s conduct prior to and at the hearing, his remorse, good character and clean disciplinary record, and reduced the suspension to a period of one week.

In the context of the Rugby World Cup tournament, a week equates to one match. The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore O’Brien is suspended for Ireland’s quarter-final match against Argentina this coming Sunday. He is free to resume playing on Monday, October 19.

The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from receipt of the written decision. The written decision will be published here as soon as it is available.