DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Ireland star learns his fate
UPDATE: Ireland and Ulster star Iain Henderson faced a Disciplinary Hearing on Tuesday.
Henderson was cited for dangerous play during Ulster’s Pro14 match against Ospreys last weekend. However, the big lock received no suspension for the incident.
A statement from the Pro14 said: “A Disciplinary Committee met in Edinburgh (Scotland) to consider the citing against Henderson (No.5) of Ulster Rugby which occurred as a result of the fixture with Ospreys Rugby on Friday, February 15, 2019.
“The player was reported by the Citing Commissioner in charge for alleged infringement of Law 9.11 – Players must not do anything that is dangerous to others. The charge related to an incident in the 14th minute of the game in clearing out a ruck of the aforementioned fixture at Brewery Field, Bridgend.
“The Disciplinary Committee comprising of Roddy Dunlop QC (Chair), Ian Douglas and Beth Dickens (all Scotland) reviewed the video clips and reports and heard explanations from the player and his representatives.
“The player had been attempting a legitimate manoeuvre which was destabilised by another player. The Player admitted that an act of foul play had occurred, as his arm had been around the shoulder and neck of Ospreys No.7.
“The Panel agreed that an act of foul play was shown but considered that it merited a yellow card only given the limited ability of the player to take avoiding action in a short space of time. As the act did not merit an on-field red card, the citing complaint was not upheld.
“The player is free to play.”
Henderson is set to feature in Ireland’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome on Sunday.
Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, who were named in the initial Six Nations squad, have joined a 34-man Ireland squad this week.
In other squad news, Chris Farrell has been reviewed by the Ireland medical team and is fit was fit to train on Tuesday.
Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock will continue their respective hamstring rehab at Leinster this week.
Will Addison has some lower back stiffness that is being managed at Ulster this week.
