Rugby:Munster might have to contend without Sam Tuitupou for the forthcoming clash with Toulon. The centre, who earned a losing bonus point against London Irish with a last-gasp try on Saturday, has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle on Paul Hodgson.
Tuitupou spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin after dumping the London Irish scrum-half on the turf at the Madjeski Stadium and the Munster management team might have hoped that’s where the matter would end.
But the citing commissioner, Ray Wilton, has decided Tuitupou has a further case to answer and he will face a hearing in Dublin on Wednesday. He has been cited under Law 10.4(j) “Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving a player into the ground”. If found guilty, he can expect a suspension ranging from three to 10+ weeks.
Munster’s options in midfield have already been limited by the seven-week ban Lifeimi Mafi received last week.
In all, four players have been brought to book after the opening weekend of the Heineken Cup. Clermont’s Jamie Cudmore, who was sent off for fighting against Munster two seasons ago, is alleged to have stamped on Saracen’s Jacques Burger. The Namibian flanker needed eight stitches to a wound around his mouth after the incident.
Martyn Williams is alleged to have dropped his knee into the face of Edinburgh’s Chris Paterson during their match at the Cardiff City Stadium while Jonny Fa’amatuainu of the Scarlets must answer a charge of committing a dangerous tackle against Perpignan.