Byron Ralston earns three-week ban after Jack O'Donoghue incident

Connacht's Byron Ralston has been suspended for three games after being found guilty of dangerous play in his side's win against Munster on New Year's Day.

The winger was initially given a yellow card by referee Chris Busby following a challenge on Jack O'Donoghue at a ruck, which resulted in the Munster number 8 being stretchered off with a knee injury that will require surgery.

Ralston was cited following the game, under Law 9.20d - Dangerous play in a ruck or maul: A player may lever the jackaler out of the contest at the ruck but must not drop their weight onto them or target the lower limbs.

While the Australian wing did not accept he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card, the independent disciplinary committee have ruled it did meet the threshold for a red card, with entry of mid-range warranting a six-game suspension.

However, the panel reduced the suspension to three games (50% mitigation) due to his good record, apology and conduct in the hearing, which results in a three-game suspension.

As a result, Ralston will miss Connacht's remaining Investec Champions Cup pool games against Lyon and Bristol Bears, while he will also be banned for the province's BKT United Rugby Championship game away to Cardiff on 17 February.

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