FOLLOWING a ruling by the disciplinary committee of the IRFU to suspened Leinester player Jonathon Sexton from playing for two weeks, the player brought an appeal to this ruling which was heard today, Friday April 10, in Dublin.The committee subsequently upheld the suspension and issued the following statement regarding the incident.

The Irish Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Appeals Committee held a hearing to consider an appeal by Leinster player Jonathan Sexton against his two week suspension for being found guilty of kicking Munster player Lefeimi Mafi during the Munster v Leinster Magners League game on 4th April, 2009.

Sexton was found guilty under law 10.4 (c) and was suspended from Wednesday, 8th April up to and including Wednesday, 22nd April. The hearing took place place in the Irish Rugby Football Unions offices today, Friday, 10th April at 4.00pm. The IRFU Panel consisted of Billy Glynn (Chairman), Leo Galvin and Barry O'Brien.

The IRFU Disciplinary Appeals Committee, having considered all of the evidence, found that there was reckless use of the boot by Jonathan Sexton and therefore the citing was upheld and the appeal was dismissed. The two week suspension imposed was confirmed and Sexton will be free to play again on Thursday 23rd April 2009.