02-08-2025
Ireland hooker Sheehan cited over clearout of Australia's Lynagh during Lions defeat
Leinster and Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan could be facing disciplinary troubles after being cited for an incident during the first half of the British and Irish Lions' wet and wild tour-ending defeat to the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
The 26-year-old, one of the stand-out performers on Andy Farrell's successful touring side, was cited in the early hours of Sunday morning Down Under over a clear-out which left Australian out-half Tom Lynagh flattened 34 minutes into the third and final Test. Replays appeared to show Sheehan charging in slightly to the side of the ruck and his right elbow making contact with Lynagh's head. The Wallabies playmaker was taken off for a Head Injury Assessment and didn't return.
Tom Lynagh flattened by elbow to the head. #AUSvBIL — Jobson Growthe (@electricBAU) August 2, 2025
The game-day officials, including TMO Marius Jonker, opted not to take any action against the No.2, despite howls of accusation from the home supporters when replays of the incident played at Accor Stadium.
"British & Irish Lions player Dan Sheehan will have a citing complaint reviewed by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) after being cited by the independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (a) (a player must not charge into a ruck or maul…) in the Australia v British & Irish Lions third test in Sydney on Saturday, 2 August," a statement from World Rugby confirmed.
"In line with World Rugby's expedited off-field sanction process, Sheehan's case will be considered by the on-duty Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) comprising Wang Shao-ing (chair), Val Toma and Mike Mika on Sunday, 3 August 2025."
