Dan Sheehan banned after dangerous Lynagh cleanout
NEWS: Dan Sheehan has been handed a four-match ban after he was cited for dangerous play during the British and Irish Lions’ third Test against Australia on Saturday in Sydney.
The Leinster and Ireland hooker appeared to make contact with Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh’s head as he drove into a ruck in the first half.
The incident was not picked up live by the match officials, with Sheehan continuing to play although Lynagh was forced off due to a head injury.
Independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez spotted the incident and cited the Irish international.
An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) was convened to consider a sanction for Sheehan.
Sheehan was cited for charging into a ruck under Law 9.20(a), chaired by Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore), joined by former international player, Mike Mika (New Zealand), and former match official, Valeriu Toma (Romania).
In determining foul play, the Committee found Sheehan’s actions to be reckless and that he had made head contact with the Australian player with actions that amounted to a high degree of danger, and that no mitigation applied.
Based on the evidence, the Committee decided the offence warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches. The Committee decided not to award the full 50% mitigation as Sheehan did not accept that there was foul play, which resulted in a final sanction of four matches (which may be reduced following completion of the coaching intervention).
Sheehan will be suspended for the following matches:
September 13, 2025: Leinster vs Cardiff (pre-season)
September 26, 2025: Leinster vs Stormers (URC)
October 11, 2025: Leinster vs Sharks (URC)
October 18, 2025: Leinster vs Munster (URC)*
* The Player will be available to play in this match, subject to successful completion of the coaching intervention.
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