Ireland lock James Ryan has been banned for three matches after making a dangerous clearout at a ruck during last weekend's loss to South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series, organisers announced on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old was initially yellow-carded by referee Matthew Carley but it was upgraded to a 20 minute red card, after 20 minutes of Saturday's 24-13 defeat, for a head-high challenge on Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.
The British and Irish Lions second row forward could miss just two matches if he takes part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.
Leinster without James Ryan for Champions Cup opener as lock hit with three-match ban https://t.co/waqc3eEHR0
— Irish Independent Sport (@IndoSport) November 26, 2025
Ryan will definitely sit out his province Leinster's match with Welsh region Dragons on Friday – though it is unlikely he would have played after he appeared in all four of Ireland's Autumn Nations Series tests – and the Champions Cup opener against Harlequins on 6 December.
He could return for the Champions Cup trip to Leicester on 12 December.