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3w ago

Dan Sheehan Given Four-Match Ban for Reckless Clear-out of Tom Lynagh

World Rugby has suspended Sheehan under a new expedited off-field process following a finding of reckless high-danger head contact

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Dan Sheehan of the British & Irish Lions walks off the pitch after their 2-1 series win, despite them losing the final match during the third test of the series between Australia Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at the Accor Stadium on August 02, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Italy v Ireland - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 15, 2025 Ireland's Dan Sheehan scores a try to complete his hat-trick REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Independent Foul Play Review Committee imposed a four-match suspension on Sheehan, which can be reduced to three with completion of a World Rugby coaching intervention programme
  • Panel members determined that Sheehan’s elbow-first charge into the ruck constituted reckless foul play under Law 9.20(a) with direct contact to Tom Lynagh’s head at high degree of danger
  • Sheehan’s refusal to accept that foul play occurred and that the offence warranted the citing prevented full mitigation and set the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches
  • He will miss Leinster’s pre-season match against Cardiff and United Rugby Championship games against the Stormers and Sharks, with availability for the Munster derby contingent on completing intervention
  • Tom Lynagh failed a head injury assessment after the hit and is ruled out of Australia’s first two Rugby Championship fixtures due to concussion