Connacht star to miss only two URC fixtures despite picking up a four game suspension
Former Leinster back row Josh Murphy had been in outstanding form for Connacht in the URC since his return from a year's sabbatical
by Michael Scully · Irish MirrorConnacht's Josh Murphy has been hit with a four game ban after a disciplinary hearing - but will only miss two URC games.
The former Leinster back row had made a very strong start to the season having returned from a year off to complete his medical studies.
But Murphy was red carded in the 71st minute of the westerner's defeat to Ulster at Kingspan Stadium last Saturday for a high challenge on James McCormick. Referee Andrew Brace dismissed him under Law 9.13 for a dangerous tackle.
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In a midweek hearing, Murphy accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted the red card and an initial six-week suspension was reduced to four due to his apology to McCormick, his good disciplinary record and his "full engaged participation" in the disciplinary process.
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Murphy can complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme and that will take a week off his ban, while sitting out Connacht A v Leinster A on November 16 means that the only URC fixtures he will miss is tomorrow's home encounter with Leinster and Connacht's home clash with Dragons next Saturday.
Speaking earlier this week, Connacht boss Pete Wilkins admitted he was already planning without Murphy for the visit of table-toppers Leinster to the Dexcom Stadium as he awaited the disciplinary verdict.
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