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Cheika fumes as Jennings has 12-week ban upheld

LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika last night mounted a staunch defence of Shane Jennings after the flanker's appeal against his 12-week suspension was denied.

Hamstrung Howlett ruled out of Munster trip to Edinburgh

Dougie Howlett has been ruled out of Munster's game away to Edinburgh on Friday evening.

Stage set for Jennings appeal

By David Kelly

As was widely expected within the province, Leinster's appeal against Shane Jennings' 12-week suspension for making contact with the eye/eye area of London Irish lock Nick Kennedy will be heard at the ERC's Stephen's Green headquarters this morning.

Wallace out of crunch Leinster tie

The Ulster squad for Saturday's eagerly awaited Magners League clash with Leinster at Ravenhill sees just one change from the Northern province's Heineken Cup squad from last week.

Leinster's wait to appeal Jennings ban stretches on

Leinster were yesterday still impatiently awaiting the written judgment from the ERC before they can finalise their appeal against the 12-week suspension handed down to Shane Jennings.

Hair apparent

By Hugh Farrelly

EARLY last May, the IRFU released their squads for the summer tour to North America and the Churchill Cup. Ireland's elite, including out-half Ronan O'Gara, were destined for Lions duty in South Africa and the squads essentially constituted the 'best of the rest' in Irish professional rugby.