An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) convened to consider a sanction for Dan Sheehan (British and Irish Lions). Sheehan was cited for charging into a ruck pursuant to Law 9.20(a) during the British and Irish Lions test match against Australia in the Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday 2 August. 

The FPRC was chaired by Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore), joined by former international player, Mike Mika (New Zealand), and former match official, Valeriu Toma (Romania).

In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.

The FPRC has the power to:

  • Issue a warning
  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
  • Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
  • Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity

Dan Sheehan (British and Irish Lions)

The independent FPRC has confirmed a four-match suspension (reduced to three on successful completion of the coaching intervention) to British and Irish Lions' Dan Sheehan after determining an action contrary to Law 9.20(a) (charging into a ruck) during the British and Irish Lions final test match against Australia on 2 August, 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the player.

In determining the sanction, the Committee noted that in his submissions, the player had not accepted that foul play occurred and did not accept that the offence warranted the citing. The Committee reviewed the matter, including submissions and footage, and determined that Sheehan's actions were contrary to Law 9.20(a) (charging into a ruck or maul). In determining foul play, the Committee found that Sheehan's actions were reckless. The Committee found that he made head contact with the Australian player, that his action amounted to a high degree of danger and that no mitigation applied.

On the basis of all the evidence before them, the Committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid range entry point of six matches. The Committee decided not to award full 50% mitigation due to the non-acceptance of foul play resulting in a final sanction of four matches (reduced to three on successful completion of the coaching intervention).

Sheehan is therefore suspended for the following matches.

  • 13 September 2025, Leinster vs Cardiff [pre-season]
  • 26 September 2025, Leinster vs Stormers [URC]
  • 11 October 2025, Leinster vs Sharks [URC]
  • 18 October 2025, Leinster vs Munster [URC]*

*The Player will be available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the coaching intervention.

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