Hines suspended for six weeks

Posted on Oct 19, 2012 in ASM Clermont Auvergne

The ASM Clermont Auvergne lock, Nathan Hines (No 5), has been suspended for six (6) weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Thursday, 17 October 2012) arising from the Heineken Cup Pool 5, Round 1 match against Scarlets at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday, 13 October 2012.

Hines was alleged to have stamped on Scarlets wing, Morgan Stoddart (No 11), during the first half of the match. The complaint was made by Citing Commissioner, John Cole (Ireland).

The independent Judicial Officer, Simon Thomas (Wales), heard evidence and submissions from Hines, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, and from his legal representative, John O’Donnell SC. He also heard submissions from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor.

The Judicial Officer upheld the citing complaint and found that Hines had stamped on his opponent and had connected on more than one occasion.

Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4 (b), he determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of five (5) weeks. When considering aggravating factors, he added one week due to the player’s disciplinary record, and imposed a suspension of six (6) weeks.

Hines will be free to play on 26 November 2012. Both ERC and the player have the right to appeal the decision.

Leinster team to face ASM Clermont Auvergne

Posted on Apr 27, 2012 in ASM Clermont Auvergne, Heineken Cup, Irish Rugby, Leinster

The Leinster team to face ASM Clermont Auvergne in Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final in the Stade Chaban-Delmas (KO: 4pm local time, 3pm Irish time) has been named.

Gordon D’Arcy partners Brian O’Driscoll at centre with Luke Fitzgerald joining Isa Nacewa – who will make his 99th Leinster appearance – and Rob Kearney in the back three. Isaac Boss links up with Jonathan Sexton – who has scored 77 points to date in this year’s competition – at half back.

Twenty-four-year-old Clontarf prop Cian Healy, who makes his 94th Leinster career appearance and his 36th in Europe, starts in the front row alongside Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross.

Leo Cullen leads the team and partners All Black Brad Thorn at lock, with Shane Jennings joining fellow Ireland internationals Sean O’Brien and the returning Jamie Heaslip in the back row.

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney

14: Isa Nacewa

13: Brian O’Driscoll

12: Gordon D’Arcy

11: Luke Fitzgerald

10: Jonathan Sexton

9: Isaac Boss

1: Cian Healy

2: Richardt Strauss

3: Mike Ross

4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN

5: Brad Thorn

6: Sean O’Brien

7: Shane Jennings

8: Jamie Heaslip

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Sean Cronin

17: Heinke van der Merwe

18: Nathan White

19: Devin Toner

20: Kevin McLaughlin

21: Eoin Reddan

22: Ian Madigan

23: Fergus McFadden

REFEREE: Wayne Barnes (RFU),  ASSISTANT REFEREES: Nigel Owens (WRU), David Pearson (RFU), 4th OFFICIAL: JP Doyle (RFU), 5th OFFICIAL: Peter Huckle (RFU), TMO: Geoff Warren (RFU)