Three-week ban rules Quinlan out of Argentina tie

Alan Quinlan will miss Ireland's vital game against Argentina on Saturday after he received a three-week ban for stamping at a disciplinary hearing in Dublin tonight. The Munster flanker was cited by the IRB independent commissioner for an offence on All Black number eight Rodney So'oialo during last Saturday's game at Croke Park.

The IRB's judicial officer for the match, Professor Lorne Crerar of Scotland "deemed the player's act of stamping in contravention of Law 10.4(b) (a player must not stamp or trample on an opponent) and should have merited a red card."

Quinlan will also miss Munster's Magners League clash with the Scarlets on November 28th, but will be available when they return to action in the Heineken Cup, as his ban finishes on Saturday, December 6th, the day before they travel to take on French side Clermont Auvergne

Ireland coach Declan Kidney is likely to name Ulster's Stephen Ferris on the blindside in place of Quinlan when he announces his side this morning.

At the same hearing New Zealand prop Tony Woodcock was cleared to play in Saturday's Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

Woodcock was cited for striking Ireland hooker Rory Best with his hand during the All Blacks' 22-3 victory.

He admitted committing an act of foul play, but Professor Crerar considered it did not warrant a red card and therefore no further sanction was appropriate.