Munster win appeal ahead of Champions Cup quarterfinal
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Munster received a major boost ahead of their big Champions Cup quarterfinal against Union Bordeaux-Bègles in France on Saturday.
Kiwi centre Alex Nankivell is free to play in the match following an appeal by the province which was upheld.
Nankivell was originally given a two-match suspension last week after he was sent off in his side’s 30-24 United Rugby Championship Round 14 victory over Connacht on March 29.
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Referee Craig Evans showed Nankivell a red card in the 25th minute of the game under Law 9.20a – A Player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.
The centre was forced to sit out last Saturday’s dramatic Champions Cup Round of 16 win over La Rochelle. However, Thursday’s URC statement means that he is now available for selection.
“Following the original disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, April 2, the player exercised his right to appeal,” said a statement.
“An Appeal Panel consisting of Rod McKenzie [Chair, Scotland], Achille Reali [Italy] and Rory Bannerman [Scotland] met on Wednesday, April 9, to review.
“The appeal was upheld by the panel and the player is free to play in Munster’s Champions Cup quarterfinal clash on Saturday. April 12.”
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