ULSTER FULLBACK JARED Payne will face a hearing after being red-carded during Saturday evening’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Saracens at Ravenhill.
The New Zealand native was sent off in the 5th minute of the encounter for what the ERC term “an alleged dangerous charge” on his opposite number, Alex Goode.
After extensively reviewing the incident in conjunction with his TMO, referee Jérôme Garcès decided Payne’s actions warranted a red card, despite the protests of Ulster captain Johann Muller.
Simon Thomas of Wales has been confirmed as the independent Judicial Officer for the hearing, which takes place tomorrow in Dublin. Payne will be examined for having acted “in contravention to Law 10.4(g) and Law 10.4(i)”.
Law 10.4(g) Dangerous charging or knocking down an opponent with the ball
Sanctions: Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 10 to 52 weeks.
Law 10.4(i) Tackling, tapping, pushing or pulling an opponent jumping for the ball in open play
Sanctions: Low End: 3 weeks; Mid-Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 12 to 52 weeks.
Meanwhile, Munster have confirmed that Casey Laulala will have his right hand in plaster for the next 10 days, after breaking a bone in the 47-23 Heineken Cup win over Toulouse last weekend.
The Kiwi centre is expected to return to training the week of the semi-final clash with Toulon in Marseille, meaning he is almost certain to be available for that fixture. Furthermore, head coach Rob Penney is optimistic that second row Donnacha Ryan will also be back in selection contention for the trip to France.
Munster will issue an official update on Peter O’Mahony’s shoulder injury over the next 24 hours, but the initial feeling within the set-up that the back row’s season is over is expected to be confirmed.
The province have requested 12,000 tickets for the semi-final, which will go on sale tomorrow and be distributed through clubs, schools, the Munster Rugby Supporters Club and to 10-year ticket holders.
