Leinster has a big decision to make ahead of this Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro 12 game against Benetton Treviso, regarding the availability of Ireland prop Cian Healy.
Healy was cited for stamping during Ireland’s disappointing 6-12 loss to England and subsequently incurred a three-week ban. RBS Six Nations organisers decided to defer the ban by one week, so as to ensure that Healy would miss Ireland’s crunch games versus Scotland and France.
However, this means that the ban does not start until midnight on Sunday, technically freeing Healy to play in Leinster’s match. This loophole risks turning into a PR mess for the Six Nations and some believe it undermines the seriousness of the ban handed out.
Leinster’s forwards coach Jonno Gibbes has commented on the matter, outlining his belief that Healy is available to tog out for the province. “Cian is available and personally I’d be delighted to involve him. He will definitely be considered”.
A written judgement on the hearing is expected to be published on Monday and should shed some light on the matter.
