Cian Healy is now free to play against Toulon on Saturday after an error has prevented his ban from being imposed. Healy was originally banned for two games after being found guilty of charging his knee into Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado.
It has a bizarre judical process for Healy, who was sinbinned for the incident. After the game, the citing commissioner decided that the incident was a red card offence, and that the Lions prop has a case to answer for. Healy was originally cited for "striking", but in his hearing he was cleared of striking and charged with a two week ban for "Dangerous charging or obstructing or grabbing of an opponent without the ball".
Leinster then announced their intention to appeal the decision on the grounds that Healy was charged for an offence that he wasn't cited for, and it appears that the Clontarf man has been cleared from any ban.
But that appeal hasn't been heard yet, because the independent judical officer who banned Healy has yet to submit his written decision. Leinster made an appeal to the independent Appeal committee to have his ban lifted pending the outcome of the appeal which has been successful. This means that Healy is free to play until his appeal can be heard.
To add to the confusion, the province originally named Healy on the bench for their return game with Toulon this Saturday, before clarifying that this was an error due to his ban. Now that the ban has been lifted, Healy has been re-instated onto the Leinster bench this weekend, and will play against Toulon.
There is no date set for Healy's appeal to take place.
From the EPCR statement is here:
The independent Judicial Officer at the hearing found that Healy had committed an act of foul play during the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (f) - Dangerous charging or obstructing or grabbing of an opponent without the ball, including shouldering.
As a written decision of the Judicial Officer is not available, it has not yet been possible to hear the player's appeal nor set a date for the appeal.
Pending the outcome of the appeal hearing, Healy filed an application to the independent Appeal Committee to have his suspension lifted.
The independent Appeal Committee consisting of Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland), Chairman, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Roddy Dunlop QC (Scotland) met today (Friday, 18 December 2015) and allowed Healy's application to have his suspension lifted.
The player is therefore free to play until the outcome of his appeal.
[LeinsterRugby.ie]
See Also: Leinster Name Cian Healy In Squad To Face Toulon Despite Ban
See Also: Video: Cian Healy Cited For Incident Against Toulon On Sunday
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
