The statement issued on Friday evening read, The Irish Rugby Football Union learned today of the decision by the Independent Judicial Tribunal of European Rugby Cup in the matter relating to Frank Sheahan.

The Union understands that the player is appealing the decision of the Judicial Tribunal in this matter and as such it would be inappropriate to comment on this specific case until the disciplinary process has been completed.

The IRFU fully subscribes to the anti-doping programmes of the Irish Sports Council, the International Rugby Board and European Rugby Cup and the Union is seen to be proactive in this regard with some 103 tests carried out in the past season, from club to international level, taking account of in and out of competition testing.