Six Nations: Ulster prop Tom O’Toole to miss Ireland’s first two matches as part of six-match suspension

Judicial officer Sheriff Mackie had initially called for a 10-match suspension for O’Toole’s challenge on Nankivell, which led to a hamstring injury at the Munster centre.

In a statement posted on its website, the URC explained that O’Toole received 40% mitigation for his “admission of foul play, his immediate apology and again after the match.”

However, as O’Toole had already received a red card for “unfair play” against Toulouse in 2022, “all mitigating circumstances were not applied”.

Interim head coach Simon Easterby said in the URC statement that O’Toole would have “barring injury or suspension, a very good chance of being named in the matchday squad” as he had been “a consistent member of the Ireland senior squad since his debut in 2021”.

As a result, the URC considered it “appropriate” to include Irish matches in the ban.

Following the England and Scotland matches, Ireland will face Wales away, France at home and finish against Italy in Rome as they look to win a third consecutive World Cup title. Six Nations.

Easterby, who takes care of Ireland as Andy Farrell prepares to lead the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia this summer, will name his Six Nations squad on Wednesday January 15.