Dan Sheehan has received a four-match ban after being cited for dangerous play during the British and Irish Lions’ third Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
The Leinster and Ireland hooker appeared to make contact with Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh’s head while driving into a ruck in the first half.
The incident was missed by the match officials during the game, and Sheehan continued playing. However, Lynagh was forced to leave the field due to a head injury.
Independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez reviewed the incident and cited the Irish international.
Following a disciplinary hearing on Monday morning, Sheehan has been suspended for four matches under Law 9.20(a), charging into a ruck. This ban may be reduced to three matches upon successful completion of a coaching intervention program.
The Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC), comprised of Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore, chair), former player Mike Mika (New Zealand), and former match official Valeriu Toma (Romania), conducted the hearing.
The Committee determined that Sheehan’s actions were reckless and resulted in head contact with the Australian player, posing a high degree of danger. They also found that no mitigating factors applied.
Based on the evidence, the Committee deemed the offense warranted the standard mid-range entry point of six matches. The Committee did not grant the full 50% mitigation because Sheehan didn’t acknowledge foul play, resulting in a final sanction of four matches. This may be reduced upon completion of the coaching intervention.
Sheehan will be suspended for the following matches:
13 September 2025: Leinster vs Cardiff (pre-season)
26 September 2025: Leinster vs Stormers (URC)
11 October 2025: Leinster vs Sharks (URC)
18 October 2025: Leinster vs Munster (URC)*
*
