The full disciplinary judgement on James Ryan’s red card has been released, and the standout detail is one that has the potential to spark debate across rugby circles: the Ireland lock did not apologise to South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx after the incident.
James Ryan was sent off early in Ireland’s 24-13 defeat to the Springboks at the Aviva Stadium, a bruising Test where the hosts shipped four yellow cards and one red. His dismissal came after he tucked his arm and made forceful head contact with Malcolm Marx as he tried, to stop the hooker contesting at a breakdown.
The collision looked ugly in real time, and even uglier in slow-motion. But according to the judgement, what happened afterwards raised further eyebrows.
Full Judgement Reveals Surprise Detail In James Ryan Red Card Fallout
A written statement submitted by Malcolm Marx outlined that James Ryan never approached him at any point during or after the match.
The judgement noted:
At no stage on the field, after the game, in the changing rooms, or at the post-match function did the Player make any attempt to apologise to SA#2 for the incident.
Recommended
On the surface, that doesn’t read well. But Ryan’s defence argued that there was no malice and, crucially, no awareness of the full extent of the collision.
James Ryan insisted he initially believed the red card was for coming off his feet and leading with a tucked arm, not for striking Malcolm Marx’s head. His submission stated:
The Player initially thought he had made contact with SA#2’s upper body… He only realised that he had made head contact the next day when he looked up the footage.
James Ryan also claimed that, had he known, he would have sought Malcolm Marx out immediately:
He would never attempt to target another player’s head… and would definitely have approached SA#2.
Ryan’s history of concussion issues was referenced as reinforcement that he would not intentionally deliver a dangerous blow.
The disciplinary panel deemed the hit a mid-range offence, carrying a six-week entry point. However, Ryan’s clean record and acceptance of the red card saw him receive full mitigation, reducing the suspension to three weeks.
That ban will drop to two weeks if he completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme.
Leinster successfully argued that last weekend’s clash with the Dragons should count towards the suspension, meaning James Ryan could return in time for their second Champions Cup match against Leicester Tigers.
SEE ALSO: ‘My Crazy Reputation’: Ronan O’Gara Addresses Red Card And Laments Red Card Inconsistency In Rugby
SEE ALSO: CJ Stander Stuck To Bizarre Diet For Admirable Reason During First Weeks At Munster