Henderson Hit With Three-Week Suspension

Versatile Ireland forward Iain Henderson will miss the upcoming Guinness Six Nations clashes with Italy and France, following his suspension for a red card during Ulster’s Guinness PRO14 win away to the Ospreys last Saturday.

The Ulster captain has been banned for a period of three weeks as a result of his dismissal during the final minutes of the game in Swansea. He was given a red card by referee Mike Adamson under law 9.20 – dangerous play in a ruck or maul.

Video footage of the incident in the 75th minute showed Henderson putting in a high shove on Dan Evans at a ruck which saw his shoulder make contact with the Ospreys player’s jaw.

The disciplinary hearing was handled by Andrea Caraci (FIR) and it was accepted that Henderson’s actions warranted a red card for foul play. The incident was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries a six-week suspension.

The Ireland international’s clean disciplinary record, co-operation throughout the process and remorse shown warranted mitigation of 50%, bringing his ban to three weeks.

Henderson, who was reminded of his right to appeal, is free to resume playing from midnight on November 9. That means he will be available to play in Ireland’s Autumn Nations Cup opener at home to Wales on Friday, November 13.