Werahiko defends players

DLSP coach Phil Werahiko is adamant none of his players has a case to answer arising from an incident during last Saturday's game against Blackrock at Stradbrook which left prop Gary Halpin requiring multiple stitches to a horrific injury to his ear.

Werahiko has seen a video of the match several times and is convinced there is no evidence to damn any of his players. "I have studied the incident on video and none of our players were anywhere near Gary (Halpin) when it happened. To me it looks like it was probably caused by a freak incident.

"I'm supportive of finding out how things happened but I am not in support of accusations being made until they can be proved and there's no proof of anything. If any player is found guilty of ill-discipline he will be punished. I don't condone or encourage that sort of play. This team has been together for four or five years and we don't have a track record for the use of the boot.

"At this stage my thoughts are just with Gary. I just hope that he makes a full recovery and can come back and play again this season."

DLSP provided Blackrock with the only video of the match, and yesterday evening several Blackrock officials met to review the tape before the club's rugby committee met.

Blackrock have a week to cite a player, and video evidence is not required. The IRFU is aware of the incident and they are likely to conduct an inquiry of their own, given that Halpin is an employee of the union through his Leinster contract.

Blackrock's intentions should become more clear in the next 48 hours.