Trevor Brennan ban reduced to five years by appeal committee

An independent appeal committee today reduced the life-time ban imposed on Toulouse player Trevor Brennan to five years, effective from the first of this month.

The committee upheld the original verdict of misconduct arising from an incident during the Heineken Cup Pool 5 match against Ulster in France in January, when Brennan entered one of the seating areas in the stadium and repeatedly struck Ulster fan Patrick Bamford.

The appeal committee heard from Brennan, several character witnesses and from ERC's Disciplinary Officer during its hearing, before concluding that the original suspension was disproportionate and should be reduced.

Along with the ban from playing Rugby Union for five years, Brennan has also been suspended from participating in ERC tournaments in any capacity - that ban's also effective from June 1st.

The former Ireland flanker will be 34 in September, so the five year ban still effectively stops him from returning to the game at the top level.

The Committee also upheld the original fine of ?25,000, and the order to pay ?5,000 compensation to Patrick Bamford, as well as the costs of convening the disciplinary hearing.