Connacht's Josh Murphy handed four-week ban after red card

Connacht forward Josh Murphy has been handed a four-week suspension following his red card during last week’s BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to Ulster.

The 29-year-old was sent off in the 71st minute of the 32-27 loss after a dangerous tackle on Ulster’s James McCormick.

Murphy faced an independent disciplinary committee, where he admitted to foul play that warranted the red card. His tackle was deemed dangerous under Law 9.13, which prohibits tackling an opponent early, late, or above the shoulders.

Despite the tackle starting below the line of the shoulders, the collision was ruled dangerous.

The disciplinary committee initially determined that Murphy’s offense merited a mid-range suspension of six weeks.

However, two weeks were deducted due to mitigating factors, including Murphy’s apology to McCormick, his cooperation in the disciplinary process, and his previously clean record.

Murphy’s suspension will be reduced to three weeks if he completes World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.

As a result, he is expected to miss Connacht’s upcoming URC fixtures against Leinster and Dragons, along with Connacht A’s clash against Leinster A on November 16.