Ireland Centre Garry Ringrose’s Ban Sparks Row After Inconsistent Application From World Rugby

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose’s ban means he will not face in the Six Nations following his red card against Wales in Cardiff.

But fans and pundits have been left fuming – particularly those ing – at the controversial application of his suspension.

Ringrose was dismissed for making head-on-head with Wales’ Ben Thomas during his side’s 27-18 win last weekend.

Initially given a yellow card, it was upgraded to a 20-minute red upon review, meaning the 30-year-old would face suspension.

On Thursday morning, Ringrose appeared before an independent disciplinary committee.

The agreed the red card warranted a mid-range entry-point of a six-week ban.

But Ringrose’s guilty plea and previously clean disciplinary record meant this was reduced by 50%.

He has therefore been handed a three-game ban, reduced to two if he completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme (Tackle School).

However, despite no Six Nations games happening this weekend, Ringrose will serve the first of his two-match ban this weekend.

This is thanks to club side Leinster’s game against Cardiff on Saturday being counted towards the player’s suspension.

He will therefore be free to play in Ireland’s final Six Nations game against Italy on 15 March.

Why Garry Ringrose Ban Has Left Fuming

But while Ringrose missing only one game may come as welcome news to Irish fans, other ers aren’t so pleased.

This is because World Rugby have been accused of inconsistency in their application of suspensions.

Earlier in the tournament, fly-half Romain Ntamack also received a three-week ban for a high tackle that saw him sent off.

But while Ringrose was allowed to use a club match towards serving his ban, Ntamack was not.

Fans and pundits alike have taken to social media to voice their anger, pointing out that neither player would ever have been involved in club matches during the Six Nations tournament.

One said: “There is absolute no way Ringrose would ever have played this weekend. Makes a mockery of the entire disciplinary process”

Another added: “Romain Ntamack getting a ban that cannot include Top 14 matches, and Garry Ringrose getting one where URC matches count just does not add up.”

Even some in the Irish media were openly criticising the situation.

Chris Jones, speaking on the Off The Ball podcast, said: “He’s [Ringrose] got a 1-match ban, let’s not kid ourselves.”

Ireland’s game against kicks off at 14:15GMT on Saturday 8 March, but neither Garry Ringrose or Romain Natmack will be playing.