Quinlan Appeal Is Unsuccessful

Alan Quinlan’s hopes of making the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa are over. The Munster and Ireland flanker’s appeal against a 12-week suspension was dismissed by an independent appeal committee in Glasgow and Wednesday.

An independent appeal committee, who met in Glasgow on Wednesday, dismissed the appeal brought by Munster flanker Alan Quinlan against the decision of an independent disciplinary committee.

The independent appeal committee, chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprising Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and HHJ Jeff Blackett (England), found that Quinlan had not demonstrated that the original decision had been in error, or that it should be overturned or varied.

Accordingly, the appeal committee dismissed the appeal and upheld the suspension imposed on the player of 12 weeks.

The appeal was against the decision of the original independent disciplinary committee last Wednesday, which found the Ireland international guilty of an act contrary to good sportsmanship in contravention of Law 10.4 (k).

He wss found to have made contact with the eye area of Leinster captain Leo Cullen during the Heineken Cup semi-final match between Munster and Leinster at Croke Park on May 2.

The 12-week suspension is for twelve playing weeks. The off-season is not included in the period of ineligibility and Quinlan will be eligible to resume playing on September 10.