O’Toole’s six-game ban ‘is what it is’ – Murphy

Richie Murphy, head coach for Ulster, calls Tom O’Toole’s six-game suspension “is what it is.”

O’Toole, 26, was sent off for a dangerous clearout on centre Alex Nankivell during Ulster’s 22-19 defeat by Munster in December.

The Ireland international will miss Ulster’s next two European games in addition to their six nations appearances against England and Scotland.

“Tom is bitterly disappointed as are we”, said Murphy.

Having already sat out Ulster’s win over Connacht, O’Toole will miss Ulster’s crucial Champions Cup games with Leicester and Exeter Chiefs, and their United Rugby Championship game with Zebre.

O’Toole, who featured in three of Ireland’s autumn internationals, will also be suspended for February’s opening Six Nations matches at home to England and away to Scotland.

We are aware that a player injured while doing it, and Murphy continued, “I don’t think it was a malicious act.”

After a challenging start to the year, Ulster’s victory over Connacht put an end to a run of five straight defeats.

Toulouse and Bordeaux suffered two significant losses throughout that span in Europe.

Leicester defeated South African side Sharks 3-0 in their opening game of the European competition.

With six victories in ten games, the Welford Road side ranks fourth in the premiership.

Murphy admitted: “We’re going there and nobody probably gives us a chance.

We must win our final two games if we want to stay in the race.

“Leicester is a very challenging place to travel. Their large back three, who are both very talented in the air, and massive pack and set piece.

We are going there with confidence because there will be a significant test in the near future.