ULSTER HOOKER Andi Kyriacou has been internally suspended for one week following an incident in a Treviso taxi last Saturday night.
After the 27-23 victory at the Stadio di Monigo, the Ulster squad, who travelled on a commercial flight, stayed overnight in Italy.
According to the taxi driver, quoted in the Italian media, an inebriated Kyriacou allegedly spat and urinated inside the car.
La Tribuna di Treviso also reported that a bill for soilage was sent to the Ulster Branch.
“We are aware that following Ulster’s away Pro 12 match at Treviso last Saturday, Andi Kyriacou was involved in an off-field incident,” said Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin.
“The issue has now been dealt with through our internal disciplinary process. Andi has accepted the disciplinary action.”
The English-born 29-year-old, capped by Ireland A, will miss Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro 12 match against Aironi at Ravenhill but will be considered for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster in Thomond Park on April 8th.
Either way, Ireland captain Rory Best is expected to reclaim the number two jersey this weekend with Nigel Brady providing cover.
Outside centre Darren Cave and captain Johann Muller are also expected to feature despite sustaining knocks against Treviso, while prop Declan Fitzpatrick has been passed fit after a second neck problem in two years.
Pedrie Wannenberg and Willie Faloon are also named in the squad despite the backrower’s imminent departure from the province.
Ulster are believed to be waiting for a green light from the IRFU to recruit another overseas flanker despite the return of number eight Roger Wilson from English club Northampton.
Meanwhile, Cardiff’s Martyn Williams is struggling to be fit for their quarter-final against Leinster on April 7th at the Aviva Stadium.
The Blues first-choice openside flanker, Welsh captain Sam Warburton, is already ruled out with a shoulder problem while his predecessor in the number seven jersey is struggling with a rib cartilage injury.
The Blues other Welsh internationals Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny, Bradley Davies and Gethin Jenkins are expected to play against Glasgow tomorrow although Paul Tito has yet to recover from head injury sustained three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, England rugby star Delon Armitage has been cautioned for assault following a fracas at a nightclub, police confirmed yesterday.
The 28-year-old, who plays for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership, was arrested after an incident at a nightclub in Torquay, Devon, in January in which a man suffered a split lip.
Armitage had played the previous day for the England Saxons, the international side’s second XV, in their 23-17 win against the Irish Wolfhounds at the Exeter Chiefs’ Sandy Park ground.
