Sean O'Brien banned for Ireland's quarter-final - Ruck
CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 11: Sean O'Brien of Ireland collects the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Ireland at Millennium Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Sean O’Brien banned for Ireland’s quarter-final

14 October 2015
Rugby Rucker
  • Ireland takes on Argentina in the final eight on Sunday
  • Flanker O’Brien had been cited for punching Pascal Papé during win over France 
  • Adds to Joe Schmidt’s problems following the losses of Captain Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony to injury
Ireland back-row Sean O’Brien has been ruled out of Sunday’s RWC quarter-final against Argentina after being handed a one-week ban for striking Pascal Pape of France. 

The hard-tackling Leinster flanker was the star man for Joe Schmidt’s men as they overcame France 24-9 in their final Pool game, which meant they successfully avoided reigning champions New Zealand in the last eight.

However, after O’Brien admitted to hitting Pape at a length disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, he was handed the ban.

A World Rugby statement read: “O’Brien admitted committing an act of foul play and, therefore, the independent judicial officer Terry Willis upheld the citing.

CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 11: Medics call for a stretcher as Paul O'Connell of Ireland lies injured during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Ireland at Millennium Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

This news only adds to the despondency around the Ireland camp following the confirmation that iconic Captain Paul O’Connell’s Test career is over after he suffered a torn hamstring during the win against France.

Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony has also been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup, meaning Ireland will be without three of their first team regulars in the pack when they tackle the Pumas in Cardiff.

There are also serious doubts over the fitness of their world-class fly-half Jonny Sexton after he was also injured during the victory at the weekend, suffering a reported groin strain.