Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been cleared to feature in his country's Rugby World Cup opener after being slapped with a three-match ban for misconduct.
The 38-year-old was seen confronting match officials during Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle in May, which he missed through injury.
Sexton was subsequently cited for misconduct, which he admitted, and the European Professional Club Rugby disciplinary committee has confirmed that he will serve a three-game suspension.
As a result, Sexton cannot take part in Ireland's trio of World Cup warm-up matches with Italy, England or Samoa, but the fly-half will be back for their opening tournament clash against Romania on September 9.
A statement from the EPCR read: "Johnny Sexton admitted Misconduct. The Disciplinary Committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials, it included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: "it's a disgrace you guys can't get the big decisions right" probably accompanied by expletives "most likely the f-word".
"His conduct was obviously unsportsmanlike and brought the sport of rugby union into disrepute. Having regard to the full circumstances of the Misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches."
Leinster have also been hit with a suspended fine of £7,500, which must be paid in full if the team commits another act of misconduct before the end of the 2023-24 season, and both Sexton and Leinster have until 4pm on Wednesday to appeal the verdict.
Ireland will also meet reigning champions South Africa, Tonga and Scotland in Pool B of the 2023 World Cup.
Ben Knapton
