Kiwi in hot water after Leinster and Munster battle
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The PRO14 have decided to cite just one player after Munster and Leinster derby which saw a red card and two yellow cards issued by referee Frank Murphy.
Leinster loosehead Cian Healy was sin binned for a high tackle on Conor Murray, while Leinster and Ireland tighthead Tadhg Furlong was also given 10 minutes for attempting to clear out Chris Cloete from ruck, which saw the Munsterman leave the field on a stretcher.
But it is just Leinster’s New Zealand-born wing James Lowe who faces further punishment for his challenge on Andrew Conway as the fullback chased after a Garryowen.
In a statement the PRO14 said: “A Disciplinary Committee will meet in Neath (Wales) on Thursday, January 3, 2019 to consider the red-card decision against James Lowe (No 11) of Leinster Rugby which occurred against Munster Rugby on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
“The incident occurred in the 32nd minute of the Guinness PRO14 Round 12 Fixture at Thomond Park where referee Frank Murphy deemed the player to have committed an act of foul play against an opponent (No 14, Andrew Conway).
“The referee showed the player a red card under Law 9.17 – A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground.
“The player will face a Disciplinary Panel via video conference, the Panel will comprise of Roger Morris (Chair), Ray Wilton and Rhian Williams (all Wales).
There were a number of other flashpoints, notably Johnny Sexton’s coming together with Joey Carbery as players from both sides grappled with one another.