The Pro12 disciplinary committee have this afternoon confirmed that Leinster prop Jack McGrath has been handed a three week suspension for stamping on the ankle of Rory Best during last weekend's clash between Leinster and Ulster.
The independent committee found that McGrath's actions were deliberate and, as such, constituted a mid-range offence in line with World Rugby's sanctions for foul play. That carries a 'five week entry-point suspension'. However, McGrath's hopes of being available for Ireland's first Six Nations game against Italy on February 7 have not been affected as the committee took into account a number of mitigating factors.
Rather than the five week ban that McGrath's actions could have been met with, he is instead going to be suspended up to and including the 25 January owing to his previously unblemished disciplinary record and his conduct during the hearing. Although that is good news for his Six Nations aspirations, it does rule him out of the crucial Champions Cup clash with Wasps on 24 January.
He does still hold a right of appeal should he wish to challenge the three week suspension.
