Ireland Under-20s duo suspended for dangerous tackles

Ireland duo James McNabney and Rory Telfer will miss the next two World Rugby Under-20 Championship games but should be available for the final game of the tournament.

Back row McNabney and wing Telfer both received three-match bans for dangerous tackles in Tuesday's 30-10 Pool B victory over Australia.

Telfer’s tackle was initially penalised with a yellow card but upgraded to red upon review, while McNabney’s tackle was missed by the officials at the time but a subsequent citing resulted in the suspension.

The Ulster academy pair have applied to take part in World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme, which would mean the ban being reduced to two games.

They will miss tomorrow’s final pool match against Fiji (12.30pm Irish time) and either a semi-final, if Ireland qualify, or a play-off match if the team doesn’t make the final four.

Meanwhile, Australia head coach Nathan Grey was left fuming after the game. The former Wallabies centre claimed flanker Ned Slack-Smith had been headbutted by Ruadhan Quinn in a collision that saw both players replaced late on.

"Ned gets knocked out by a guy carrying the ball who actively ducks into contact and literally headbutts him as he’s going into a very good tackle technique," said the 1999 World Cup winner.

"The red cards (for McNabney and Telfer) should’ve happened and there should’ve been 45 minutes where we’re playing against 13 or 14 men."

Ireland head coach Richie Murphy already lost back Hugh Cooney to suspension after he was red-carded in their opening draw with England.

Back row Quinn was not included in the match-day 23 for the match against Fiji named yesterday.

Ireland and England are tied on eight points in Pool B and a win over Fiji would see them well placed to qualify as