PROP John Hayes will appear before an independent disciplinary hearing in Belfast tomorrow following his red-carding in Munster’s embarrassing Magners League defeat to old rivals Leinster at the RDS.
Hayes, who boasts an exemplary disciplinary record, was red-carded by referee Simon McDowell in the 57th minute of Saturday evening’s game on the advice of one of his touch judges for an alleged stamp on Leinster prop Cian Healy as he lay underneath a Munster maul.
Thirty-five-year-old Hayes will be accompanied to the IRFU’s independent disciplinary hearing in Belfast tomorrow by Munster manager Shaun Payne and a legal representative.
Cappamore man John Hayes, Ireland’s most capped international, had never been sent off during a career spanning close on two decades with Bruff, Shannon, Munster and Ireland.
Props Hayes and Healy did speak about the incident following Saturday night’s game.
Munster lock Donncha O’Callaghan said that while he did not see the red-carding incident, he stressed the Limerick man’s reputation as an honest, disciplined player.
“I didn’t see the incident. I knew Cian (Healy) was trying to pull down the maul, but I think we all know Hayes. You could not come across a more honest, disciplined fellow,” O’Callaghan said.
“It was nothing like him. I know the maul was being pulled down and Cian had a chat with him.
“John Hayes is an impeccable character. It was embarrassing for him to go off like that, but you know him lads, it was nothing like him.”
While Hayes’ hearing is of most immediate concern to Munster coach Tony McGahan, the side’s dismal showing against Leinster and this Saturday’s mammoth Heineken Cup opening round tie away to the Northampton Saints will also be occupying his thoughts.
Saturday’s shut-out was the first occasion Munster had failed to register a point in a competitive fixture since the province’s 9-0 loss to Leinster in 1971.
It was also Munster’s heaviest ever defeat in the Magners League, topping the 26-point loss to Ulster from last January.
Bitterly disappointed Munster coach Tony McGahan said the side needed to get back to basics as the focus now switches to Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash with the Northampton Saints at Franklins Gardens (6pm).
“The biggest thing for us is to get back to basics and put a few core principals of our game back together,” Tony McGahan said.
“It has been a disrupted start to the season.
“We have a few players who have not had a lot of game time.
“Getting continuity to the play is certainly a concern. We need to go back to the drawing board and get a response this week.”
Meanwhile, in the AIB All-Ireland League, an 87th minute drop goal from Garryowen out-half Willie Staunton helped the ‘light blues’ secure a dramatic 12-10 victory over city rivals and holders Shannon at Dooradoyle on Friday night.
UL Bohemian made a disappointing start to their Division 1A campaign after suffering a 8-3 home defeat to Blackrock College at Thomond Park.
In-form Young Munster made a winning start in Division 1B when recording a deserved 23-3 victory over Buccaneers at Clifford Park.
In Division 1B both Thomond and Bruff picked up bonus points in registering impressive opening day victories, but there was no joy for Old Crescent on their long trip to Belfast where Harlequins gained the spoils.
Colm Kinsella
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