James Ryan will likely only miss two games for Leinster after he was suspended following his 20-minute red card in Ireland's defeat to South Africa on Saturday.
The second row has been given a three-game ban by an independent disciplinary committee, although that will be reduced to two games if he completes tackle school.
Ryan was initially given a yellow card following a head-high challenge on Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx after 19 minutes of Saturday's 24-13 defeat to the world champions, which was upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a review by the foul play review officer.
The 29-year-old appeared before an independent disciplinary committee this week, where he admitted he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card.
The committee deemed the offence to be in the mid-range tier, which carries an entry point of a six-game ban.
Ireland are over through Tadhg Beirne, but it's ruled out for an illegal clear-out by James Ryan. It was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 22, 2025
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"In light of the player accepting the red card, his clean disciplinary record as well as other mitigating factors, they have applied the maximum 50% reduction in sanction, thus reducing the final sanction to three weeks/matches," aa statement reads.
Additionally, Ryan will be able to reduce his suspension to two weeks/matches if he completes World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme - better known as tackle school.
As a result, he will be suspended for the Leinster's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Dragons this Friday, although he would have been unlikely to feature in that tie having started all four games for Ireland in November.
Ryan will also miss the opening Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 meeting with Harlequins on 6 December, but will be available to return the following week away to Leicester Tigers if he completes tackle school.
