Leinster opt not to appeal against Jack McGrath's three-week ban
- From the section Rugby Union
Leinster have opted not to appeal against the three-week suspension handed to prop Jack McGrath.
The 25-year-old front row was last week ruled to have stamped on his Ireland colleague Rory Best in Leinster's Pro12 win over Ulster on 3 January.
McGrath missed Leinster's Pro12 victory over Cardiff last weekend and will also be ruled out of the European Champions Cup games against Castres and Wasps.
"The matter is now at an end," Leinster said in a statement on Wednesday.
McGrath will be eligible for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on 7 February.
| Jack McGrath factfile |
|---|
| 1989: Born 11 October, Dublin |
| 2009: Represents Ireland Under-20s |
| 2010: Makes Leinster debut in Pro12 |
| 2012: Part of Leinster's Heineken Cup-winning squad |
| 2013: Makes Ireland debut against Samoa |
| 2014: Helps Ireland beat South Africa and Australia in autumn internationals |
McGrath was cited following the Ulster game and appeared before an independent disciplinary committee last Wednesday.
The committee ruled McGrath's breach warranted a five-week suspension but reduced it to a three-game ban because of his previously unblemished record and conduct at the hearing.
Leinster are currently without their first-choice loose-head prop Cian Healy and McGrath's absence for the European games is a major blow to coach Matt O'Connor.
The incident occurred during the second half of Leinster's 24-11 victory over their Irish provincial rivals.
McGrath made his first Leinster appearance five years ago against Glasgow Warriors.
His senior Ireland debut came against Samoa in 2013 and he has gone on to win 12 international caps.
In Healy's absence, McGrath started in both Ireland's wins over South Africa and Australia in November.