Rugby

Munster’s Fineen Wycherley handed three-match ban

Secondrow was sent off for an alleged strike on Tim Swinson in heavy defeat to Glasgow

Munster’s Fineen Wycherley is shown a red card by referee Nigel Owens during the Guinness Pro 12 game against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun. Photograph: Craig Watson /Inpho

Wed Sep 27 2017 - 18:21

Munster secondrow Fineen Wycherley has been banned for three weeks after being sent off in last Friday’s defeat to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun.

The 19-year-old lock was given his marching orders by referee Nigel Owens in the 75th minute for an alleged strike against Glasgow secondrow Tim Swinson.

Wycherley was cited under Law 10.4 (a) – Punching or Striking and his disciplinary hearing took place via video conference from Neath in Wales on Wednesday.

The disciplinary panel, chaired by Simon Thomas, concluded that Wycherley was guilty of reckless rather than intentional behaviour and therefore warranted a mid-range sanction of six weeks.

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Taking into account both Munster’s argument that the action was not intentional and Wycherley’s previous clean record the full 50 per cent reduction was applied, resulting in a three-week ban.

Munster's secondrow options have been stretched this season, with Jean Kleyn suffering a neck injury in the 37-10 defeat to Glasgow. Fellow South African lock Gerbrandt Groebler suffered an ankle injury in pre-season after joining Munster in the summer, while Darren O'Shea and Dave O'Callaghan are also out.

Munster recently signed Mark Flanagan from Saracens on a three-month deal and the former Leinster player could go straight into the Munster squad for Saturday's home game against Cardiff Blues.

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