Leinster hooker Sean Cronin refused to get drawn into the Dylan Hartley debate, as the England captain is left facing yet another suspension.
The Northampton hooker was red-carded for a high challenge on Seán O’Brien during their Champions Cup clash on Friday.
O’Brien had to be replaced but Leinster confirmed today that he was not concussed and a “stiff neck” kept him from returning to the field.
Hartley, 30, has already served bans totalling 54 weeks in his career and will learn on Wednesday the extent of his punishment, which may see him miss England’s opening Six Nations game against France.
Asked about calls to severely reprimand the Saints man, Cronin went no further than to describe the tackle as “rash”.
“He’s a fantastic player, I went up against him a few times,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“He’s had an incredible season - the tour of Australia and their autumn series.
“Look, it was rash. I’m sure there’s no man more disappointed than himself. We have to see what [happens] at the disciplinary process this week.
“It’s kind of just noise to us at the moment. We’re just going to have to get on [with it].
“They’ve a huge pedigree, they’ve a top quality squad.
“They have the calibre of player to come over here and reverse the result at the weekend so that’s all that we are focused on.”
Details of the charge Hartley faces have yet to be issued - the offence could fall under striking or dangerous tackle - but given his atrocious disciplinary record, a substantial ban is certain.
A suspension of eight weeks and above would rule him out of the Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on 4 February, resulting in the likely promotion of Owen Farrell to the captaincy.
The tackle has been widely condemned and has left England head coach Eddie Jones facing awkward questions having appointed Hartley as skipper despite a rap sheet that includes biting, gouging, butting and swearing at a referee.
In his defence, Hartley has led the national team with distinction throughout Jones' reign and has been at the helm for a flawless first year comprising of 13 successive victories.
Leinster host Northampton in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.45pm, live on RTÉ Radio 1).
