Sport

Banned Tom O'Toole to miss two Ireland Six Nations games against England and Scotland

Tom O'Toole of Ireland (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Tom O'Toole, the Ulster and Ireland prop, will miss Ireland's first two Six Nations games against England and Scotland after receiving a six-match ban for "dangerous play" in the United Rugby Championship game against Munster.

The Ulster prop was banned for a dangerous clearout on Munster's Alex Nankivell. The Munster centre sustained a hamstring injury during the incident and has not returned to action since the pre-Christmas day fixture.

Law 9.20e in rugby states that a player cannot target an opponent's lower limbs or drop their weight onto them, and referees in rugby are attempting to clamp down on offenders.

During the disciplinary hearing with Sheriff Kathrine Mackie in Scotland, O'Toole acknowledged his mistake and took full responsibility for his actions. He admitted that his behaviour deserved a red card, and Sheriff Mackie agreed that the incident met the threshold for a top-end offence, which carries a ten-week ban.

🚨 Disciplinary Decision 🚨

📝 Tom O’Toole - Ulster Rugby #BKTURC #URC

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However, because O'Toole immediately owned up to what had happened, offered a heartfelt apology at the time, and repeated his apology after the match, he was given some leniency. This led to a reduction of four weeks (40%) from his sentence.

As a result, O'Toole will miss Ulster's trip to Leicester, their home game against Exeter Chiefs, and a match against Zebre Parma. He will also be absent for Ireland's Six Nations opener against England at home and the away game against Scotland. The Connacht game, which Ulster won on 28 December 2024, was backdated.

O'Toole is expected to be available for Ireland's remaining Six Nations games.

Fixtures Tom O'Toole is unavailable for: