Wales consider Byrne appeal
Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:13
The Welsh Rugby Union is considering an appeal against the two-week ban handed down to fullback Lee Byrne by a European Cup disciplinary committee on Friday.
Byrne will miss his nation's Six Nations opener against England next week, after being banned for two weeks for his role in the 16th-man controversy in the Ospreys' Heineken Cup win over Leicester Tigers.
Byrne pleaded guilty to a misconduct charge, laid as a result of a brief appearance as Ospreys' 16th player in their 17-12 victory last Saturday and the resulting two-week ban means he will miss the February 6 clash with England.
Ospreys were fined €25,000 over the incident, but the disciplinary panel ruled there had been "no material effect on the match", so the result stands.
However, in a statement the WRU said the Wales squad member, Byrne, is reviewing the decision.
"The player will remain with the Wales Six Nations squad at the National Centre of Excellence in the Vale Resort and is taking advice on a possible appeal," the WRU statement said.
Leicester Tigers, in their response to the disciplinary hearing, did not rule out an appeal either.
The outcome of Friday's hearing means the result stands and Ospreys keep their place in the quarterfinals of the competition, in which they will meet Biarritz on April 10, while English champions Leicester are eliminated.
Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom said they were keeping their options open.
"It was important that events surrounding this incident were investigated to help prevent this situation happening again, especially in such a high-profile fixture in Europe's elite club competition," Tom said.
"The independent disciplinary committee have now made their decision on both charges of misconduct and announced their verdict.
"We will await receipt of the full written verdict before making any further comment."
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