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Suspensions

Six weeks for Hoeta's high tackle on Kearney but no Leinster appeal on McGrath ban

The Cardiff Blues lock has been suspended for the dangerous hit on Leinster’s fullback.

LEINSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that they will not be appealing Jack McGrath’s three-week suspension for stamping on Rory Best.

LeinsterÕs Jack McGrath. McGrath will play no further part in the pool stage of the Champions Cup this season. Inpho / Billy Stickland Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland

The prop will miss the Champions Cup clashes against Castres and Wasps in the next fortnight, with the province stating that they had considered “all the options and taken considerable advice, including legal,” in reaching their decision.

McGrath looks likely to play next for Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations, with Joe Schmidt’s side facing Italy on 7 February in Rome.

Meanwhile, Jarred Hoeta has been suspended for six weeks for his dangerous tackle on Rob Kearney during Leinster’s win over the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

The Kiwi lock was red carded by referee Neil Paterson in the 33rd minute of the Guinness Pro12 encounter after bringing Ireland fullback Kearney to deck with a right arm around the neck.

An independent Pro12 disciplinary committee, which included Ireland’s Dr. Barry O’Driscoll, found that the tackle was in the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions under Law 10.4 (e).

PRO12 Rugby / YouTube

That meant a six-week suspension for Hoeta, although the committee added a further fortnight “to reflect World Rugby’s requirement for a measure of deterrence for this type of offence.”

That done, the committee then reduced the ban by two weeks in light of the former Highlanders second row’s conduct at the hearing and his acceptance that a red card had been warranted.

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