Dan Sheehan handed four-match ban for dangerous play

Irish hooker Dan Sheehan has received a four-match suspension following a dangerous clear-out incident involving Australia's Tom Lynagh during the third Test between the British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies in Sydney.

The incident occurred in the first half of the Lions’ 22-12 defeat at Accor Stadium, where Sheehan’s elbow appeared to make contact with Lynagh’s head.

Despite the challenge going unpunished during the match by referee Nika Amashukeli, Sheehan was cited after video review confirmed the severity of the contact.

The independent disciplinary panel ruled that Sheehan’s action was reckless and posed a high degree of danger with no mitigation, warranting a four-match suspension.

However, if the 26-year-old completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention program, the ban could be reduced to three games.

Lynagh, who continued briefly after the incident and successfully kicked a penalty, was later substituted for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and did not return to the field.

As a result of the ban, Sheehan will miss Leinster’s pre-season fixture against Cardiff on September 13, and at least two United Rugby Championship matches—against the Stormers on September 26 and the Sharks on October 11.

Should the full suspension remain in place, he will also be absent from the high-profile URC clash against Munster on October 18.

During the Sydney Test, Sheehan was captaining the Lions after regular skipper Maro Itoje was ruled out following a failed HIA. Although he accepted the punishment, Sheehan did not admit to foul play in his submission to the review panel.

Despite the loss in the final Test, the Lions secured a 2-1 series win over Australia with earlier victories in Brisbane and Melbourne.