Jerry Flannery is set to miss Ireland's entire RBS Six Nations campaign after being banned for stamping.
Ireland forward ruled out of the tournament if he does not appeal ban
Jerry Flannery is set to miss Ireland's entire RBS Six Nations campaign after being banned for stamping.
The 29-year-old forward was handed an eight-week suspension for his stamp on France's Julien Bonnaire during Munster's defeat to Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup in mid-January.
Now the man, who had been expected to challenge Rory Best for Ireland's number two jersey, looks likely to miss the whole of the Six Nations tournament.
Unless he launches a successful appeal, Flannery will be suspended until March 19 - four days after Ireland's final Six Nations match against England.
Flannery was accompanied at the hearing by his legal representative Donal Spring and Munster rugby director Declan Kidney.
Both Flannery, who has won 21 caps, and Kidney refused to comment, but Spring confirmed an appeal would be considered.
Spring said: "We are very disappointed with the outcome and are considering an appeal."
Gouging
Clermont flanker Alexandre Audebert also received an eight-week ban for stamping on Ireland's Ronan O'Gara in the same match.
Audebert was also cited for punching Munster substitute Alan Quinlan.
France number eight Elvis Vermeulen and South African centre Marius Joubert could also face disciplinary hearings after being cited for alleged eye gouging during Clermont's Heineken Cup victory over Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday.
