The Champions Cup Round of 16 playoffs were shaped to a farcical degree by red cards, yellow cards, high hits, late hits and shoulder charges. In the eight second leg matches there were five reds and fifteen yellows, and there should have been at least two more reds. That, by any measure, is a daft way for a sport to go about its business. To put this in historical context it took 102 years of international rugby before an Irish player got sent off (Willie Duggan in 1977) and another 33 years for it to happen again when Jamie Heaslip…
Don’t miss out on what is going on with our daily unique stories from our team of skilled journalists and insightful commentators. Members of The Currency get full access to over 4,000 exclusive interviews, investigations, and analysis, plus over 460 podcasts. Annual membership is just €200 for the first year, a saving of €100. Or try The Currency for the first month for a special introductory rate of €5, a saving of €20. Cancel at any time. To become a member today click here.
Join The Currency
INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Full annual membership for just €200.