Connacht lock Darragh Murray suspended for three weeks

Connacht lock Darragh Murray has been suspended for three weeks for a head contact challenge in the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Benetton Rugby last weekend.

Murray was yellow carded in the fifth minute of the 39-24 defeat for tackle that required Ignacio Mendy to leave the field for a head injury assessment.

Independent judicial officer Gareth Graham upheld the citing complaint determining that in carrying out the tackle, Murray had made contact with Mendy's head in a dangerous and reckless manner.

He decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected six weeks as the appropriate entry point.

Taking into account the Murray’s guilty plea and clear disciplinary record, he reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.

It means the second row will miss tomorrow’s home BKT URC tie against Zebre, as well as next week's away fixture against Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Should he apply for and successfully complete a World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme, he will be available for selection for the trip to Thomond Park on 11 May.

Connacht currently occupy 10th spot in the standings and after matches against Zebre and Dragons, finish out their campaign against Munster, Stormers and Leinster.

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