Ospreys face 16th man probe
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 13:01The ERC's disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor has made misconduct complaints against Ospreys fullback Lee Byrne and the Ospreys club.
This comes as a result of an investigation into the allegation that Ospreys had 16 players on the pitch during Saturday's Heineken Cup pool match against Leicester Tigers.
An independent disciplinary committee will hear the case on Friday.
Today's developments are potentially bad news for Wales coach Warren Gatland just 10 days before his team's RBS 6 Nations opener against England at Twickenham.
Lions full-back Byrne has recently returned to fitness after missing the entire autumn Test series through injury.
But there is now the possibility he could be banned, while the Ospreys will be left sweating on a possible fine, or worse - a points deduction.
They booked a last-eight place as one of two best pool runners-up, finishing behind Clermont Auvergne, but two points above Leicester.
In a statement, ERC said: 'ERC disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor has now completed his investigation into the allegation the Ospreys had 16 players on the pitch during the second-half of the Heineken Cup match between the Ospreys and Leicester.
'As part of his investigation, he reviewed statements from the Ospreys, Leicester and the match officials, and also reviewed footage of the incident.
'Following his investigation, the disciplinary officer has made misconduct complaints against Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne and the Ospreys club.
'The independent disciplinary officer appointed to hear the case in Dublin on Friday will be chaired by Pat Barriscale (Ireland), and also include Jean-Noel Cournaud (France) and Mark McParland (Ireland).'
