Connacht lock learns fate following Red Card

NEWS: Connacht lock Josh Murphy has learned his fate following a 71st minute Red Card for a dangerous collision with Ulster’s James McCormick.

Referee Andrew Brace was left with no choice but to show Murphy his marching orders under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

Murphy’s responses to Judicial Officer Simon Thomas is that he’d accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card.

Thomas found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks.

Murphy recieved two weeks mitigation due to his apology to McCormick and referee Brace, his full engaged participation in the disciplinary process and good record which results in a four-match suspension.

Murphy has the option to complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme which will result in the sanction being reduced by one week.

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URC Fixtures Josh Murphy is unavailable for: 

October 19: Connacht v Leinster
October 26: Connacht v Dragons

Non URC Fixtures Josh Murphy is unavailable for: 

November 16: Connacht A v Leinster A
November 22: Connacht A v Ulster A