Leinster To Appeal Healy Suspension
Leinster Rugby have informed EPCR of their intention to appeal today’s decision of the independent judicial officer Roger Morris to suspend prop Cian Healy for two weeks under Law 10.4 (f).
The basis for the appeal will centre on the fact that Cian Healy was called to the independent disciplinary hearing in Paris today for allegedly striking Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
Having heard submissions from both sides and the player himself who denied the charge, the judicial officer retired to consider the matter. On returning he informed those present that the charge under Law 10.4 (a) was not proven.
However, he went on to find that Healy had contravened Law 10.4 (f) which charge had not been put to the player by either the judicial officer or EPCR at any stage before or during the disciplinary hearing.
Leinster Rugby believe that this is a failure to follow due process and is unfair to Healy
Leinster have further requested that the chairman of the disciplinary panel lift Healy’s two-week suspension pending the outcome of the appeal, which the province are confident will be successful.