Iain Henderson banned for three matches after red card upgrade

Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been handed a three-match suspension after the red card he received in the 38-38 draw with the Stormers was upheld following a disciplinary hearing.

The ban means the experienced Ireland international will miss next week’s Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao, along with Ulster’s URC clash against Glasgow.

Iain Henderson Suspension Confirmed For Ulster

Henderson appeared before an independent disciplinary committee and accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. The committee ruled that the offence was reckless and applied a mid-range entry point of six weeks before reducing the sanction by 50 percent.

That reduction was based on Henderson’s previous disciplinary record, his remorse, his immediate concern for the opposition player and his cooperation throughout the process.

Challenge Cup Final Blow For Ulster

The three-match ban is a major setback for Ulster ahead of one of the biggest games of their season. Henderson will definitely miss the URC meeting with Glasgow and the European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.

The final match of the suspension will depend on Ulster’s progress in the URC play-offs. If they qualify for the quarter-finals, that fixture will count as the third game of the ban.

Ulster Await Final Outcome Of Third Match

If Ulster do not reach the URC quarter-finals, then Henderson’s suspension could instead carry into Ireland duty, with a Nations Championship match potentially serving as the third and final game.