Neath Anger Over Sinkinson Ban

Neath have reacted angrily to the decision by the Welsh Rugby Union to suspend Brett Sinkinson, with Chief Executive Mike Cuddy calling for sanctions against Peter Stringer for the incident that resulted in Stringer receiving a yellow card.

Commenting on the official Neath website, in respect of the six match ban handed to Sinkinson, Chief Executive, Mike Cuddy said,
“We are extremely disappointed that Munster decided to take this course of action, and particularly with the manner in which they cited our player at the last minute. There were far worse instances than Brett Sinkinson performed during the match by Munster players. We will be compiling a video which will be sent to Munster and the Irish Rugby Union, together with a request that they do the decent thing and give the players highlighted, at the very least suspensions equivalent to that imposed on Brett.”

” In particular, we feel that Peter Stringer should not be allowed to take part in the Six Nations and European Cup Quarter Final. We did not want to get into a citing battle with Munster, but the manner in which Munster cited at the last minute was disappointing to say the least.”

” Relations between Munster and Neath have been soured, and will be even more strained if they do nothing in respect of their player’s actions. They must not be seen to condone this behaviour.”
” We did not want to pursue these matters further as we acknowledge that Munster were the better side on the day and it could have looked like sour grapes on our behalf. All in all this matter has left a bitter taste in the mouth”

It may be worth pointing out that the process that saw Sinkinson end up with the ban, began with Munster – as required by tournament regulations – asking their own Union to adjudicate.
The IRFU Disciplinary Chairman, in turn, referred the matter to the Welsh Union for their consideration.
Having viewed the video, and without any consultation with Munster, the Welsh Union’s Disciplinary Chairman found against Sinkinson. It was the Welsh Union who imposed the ban and determined the severity.