Sean O’Brien has been cited for his punch on France’s Pascal Papé and could miss Ireland’s quarter-final with Argentina.
O’Brien, whose indiscretion was missed by the referee, Nigel Owens, in Cardiff, appeared to punch Papé in the stomach in the early stages of Ireland’s 24-9 victory over France at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, a result that ensured Joe Schmidt’s side would not face the All Blacks in the last eight.
A hearing into the incident will be held on Tuesday at 1pm and, although Schmidt said after the game on Sunday that O’Brien’s fist was not closed and hoped a ban would not be necessary, the flanker could be suspended.
A World Rugby statement said: “Sean O’Brien has been cited by independent citing commissioner Dougie Hunter (Scotland) for an alleged act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(a) during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool D match between France and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Sunday, 11 October. Law 10.4(a) deals with striking.”
It could be the latest blow for Ireland, who are still waiting news on their captain, Paul O’Connell, who sustained a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the first half against France. O’Connell underwent scans on the problem on Monday and, following his announcement that he is to retire at the end of the tournament, a bad result would signal the end of his international career.
There is also an anxious wait over the fitness of the fly-half Johnny Sexton, who was substituted in the first half against France with a groin injury, although positive news is expected on this front.
The back-row forward Peter O’Mahony has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee ligament injury.
Mick Kearney, the Ireland team manager, said: “Paul O’Connell appears to have suffered a significant hamstring injury and was hospitalised overnight. He’s having scans later to clarify the extent of the injury.
“Peter O’Mahony has suffered a knee ligament injury and is returning to Dublin for specialist opinion and will take no further part in the tournament. Johnny Sexton suffered a groin injury, initial clinical assessment is encouraging and we await scanning later. After an incredibly physical encounter a host of players are reporting bumps and soreness and will have to be managed but nothing more serious than that.”
There has yet to be a decision on replacements for O’Mahony and Jared Payne, who is out of the tournament with a foot injury.
