Ireland lock James Ryan insists he never intentionally targeted Malcolm Marx’s head, and only later realised the severity of his dangerous cleanout.
Ryan was red-carded in the 24-13 loss to the Springboks in Dublin two weeks ago. In a desperate attempt to stop Marx from competing over the ball at the breakdown, the Ireland and Leinster star tucked his arm and connected with the front rower.
The full disciplinary judgement has been released and confirms Ryan received a six-week suspension for the incident. This was subsequently reduced by half.
READ: Ireland lock gets slap on wrist for Marx cleanout
The disciplinary panel noted Marx’s statement that “at no stage on the field, after the game, in the changing rooms, or at the post-match function did the player make any attempt to apologise”.
That appeared damning, but Ryan contended he simply did not know he had made direct head contact with the Bok hooker.
According to the ruling, Ryan told the panel: “When the red card was issued, he had not realised that he had made head contact with SA No 2 and thought he had been sent off for coming off his feet and his tucked arm.”
Hooker colossus Marx hits new heights
Ryan added that he initially believed he had hit Marx’s upper body.
“He only realised that he had made head contact the next day when he looked up the footage,” his defence stated. “Should he have known that he had made head contact … he would definitely have approached SA No 2.”
The lock also referenced his own concussion history, telling the panel he “would never attempt to target another player’s head in contact”.
The disciplinary committee accepted Ryan’s explanation, noting that “circumstances during and after the match did not provide any opportunities for him to interact with SA No 2” and emphasising that he “accepted the red card immediately and did not remonstrate with the referee”.
With a clean record and a prompt admission of guilt, Ryan received full mitigation, reducing his ban from six to three weeks – though the panel still labelled the offence “a mid-range act of foul play” and “atypical” of the 29-year-old’s career.
The Springboks went on to dominate the contest, with World Rugby Player of the Year Marx playing a key role.
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
