Ireland star Tadhg Furlong could face a ban of up to four years after being cited following Leinster's clash with Munster.
The 33-year-old prop is accused of grabbing Munster star Gavin Coombes by the genitals.
The alleged act took place during Leinster's 24-18 win on Saturday.
As RUCK reported earlier, Furlong was cited on Monday.
He now faces a hearing that could lead to a lengthy ban.
Under World Rugby rules, the most severe cases can lead to a 208-week ban. That is four years.
However, such a long ban is rare.
Tadhg Furlong could face four-year ban
World Rugby has strict rules on foul play.
Furlong has been cited under Law 9.27, which deals with acts against fair play.
The rules cover players who grab, twist or squeeze an opponent's genitals.
Under World Rugby's rules, the bans start at 12 weeks.
The full range is:
- Low-end: 12 weeks
- Mid-range: 18 weeks
- Top-end: 24 weeks or more
- Maximum: 208 weeks (four years)
A panel will decide how serious the act was if it finds Furlong guilty.
It can also cut the ban if there are reasons to do so.
The four-year ban is the worst-case outcome.
What happened against Munster?
The allegation arose during the first half of Saturday's United Rugby Championship derby.
Coombes complained to referee Andrew Brace that Tadhg Furlong had grabbed him in the groin area during a ruck.
The incident was referred to television match official Colin Stanley, but the available footage did not establish what had happened.
No action was taken during the match.
However, the complaint was recorded in the referee's report and later reviewed by the citing commissioner.
The URC subsequently confirmed that Furlong had been cited, with disciplinary arrangements being made.
Ireland face major blow
The news comes at a bad time for Ireland.
Tadhg Furlong is still a key part of their pack.
Even a 12-week ban could rule him out of the November Tests.
A longer ban would also hit Leinster's plans and could put his place in the 2027 Six Nations at risk.
The case comes after South Africa hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels received a nine-week ban in 2025 for a similar act.
For now, Ireland must wait for the hearing.
Furlong has yet to be found guilty, and no ban has been handed down.
