RWC: The Sean O’Brien Verdict Is In

The wait is over! Finally we have a verdict on Sean O’Brien’s citing.

The Ireland flanker had been cited for a punch on France’s Pascal Pape during Ireland’s victory on Sunday and the hearing has kept the whole of Ireland waiting on the edge of their seats.

As expected the Ireland flanker has recieved a one week ban.

O’Brien was handed a two-week ban, reduced to one week for a previously good discipline record.

The suspension rules O’Brien out of Sunday’s quarter-final with Argentina, but he will be available for a possible semi-final, should Ireland progress.

A statement from World Rugby read: “O’Brien admitted committing an act of foul play and therefore the independent Judicial Officer Terry Willis (Australia) upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed an act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(a).

“Willis conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative.

“With respect to the sanction, the Judicial Officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of two weeks. The Judicial Officer considered that there were no aggravating factors. The Judicial Officer took into account compelling mitigating factors including O’Brien’s conduct prior to and at the hearing, his remorse, good character and clean disciplinary record, and reduced the suspension to a period of one week.

“In the context of the Rugby World Cup tournament a week equates to one match. The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore O’Brien is suspended for Ireland’s quarter-final match against Argentina on Sunday, 18 October, 2015. He is free to resume playing on 19 October, 2015.”