British and Ireland’s Lions hooker Dan Sheehan has been banned for four games from World Rugby due to a dangerous clean-out attempt at Australia’s Tom Lina.
Sheehan charged into the rack in the 34th minute of his third final test in Sydney and made contact with Linag’s head.
The Australian fly half was forced from the field and failed to assess head trauma (HIA). That means he couldn’t go back.
The incident was spared from the punishment and was overlooked by staff during the match, but he is now banned by rugby around the world.
“Sheehan was cited for charging the rack pursuant to Law 9.20(a) during a test match for the UK and Irish Lions held at Acole Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, August 2nd,” World Rugby said in a statement.
“In deciding on the sanctions, the committee noted that in his submission the player did not accept that a foul play occurred and that the crime justified the quotation. The committee considered the matter, including submissions and footage, and determined that Sheehan’s actions were contrary to Act 9.20(a).
“In deciding on a foul play, the committee found Sheehan’s actions to be reckless. The committee brought head contact with an Australian player and found that his actions reached high risk and mitigation did not apply.”
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The ban means Sheehan misses the preseason match and Rainster’s first three URC games at the start of the season.
However, the 26-year-old will cut the ban in one game if he completes a coaching intervention.