Dan Sheehan Cited for Dangerous Play in Third Test Against Australia

Dan Sheehan, the hooker for the Lions, has been cited for dangerous play following an incident during the third Test against the Wallabies in Sydney. The incident occurred in the first half when Sheehan appeared to make contact with Tom Lynagh, the Australian out-half, resulting in Lynagh leaving the field due to a head injury.

The match officials did not notice the incident at the time, allowing Sheehan to continue playing. However, independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez later reviewed the footage and determined that Sheehan’s actions warranted a citation. This citation will now be reviewed by the Independent Foul Play Review Committee on August 3, 2023.

Under World Rugby’s revised disciplinary procedures, the committee will assess the situation and propose a sanction for Sheehan. He has the option to accept the proposed punishment or contest it. If he chooses to contest the decision, the matter will escalate to an Independent Disciplinary Committee for further examination. This streamlined process aims to address incidents of foul play more efficiently.

Sheehan has been cited under Law 9.20 (a), which states, “A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.” This rule is designed to protect players from dangerous impacts during rucks, which are a common aspect of rugby play.

As the rugby community awaits the outcome of the review, this incident highlights the ongoing commitment to player safety and the enforcement of rules regarding dangerous play. The decision will not only impact Sheehan’s immediate future but also serve as a precedent for similar cases in the sport.