THE IRFU HAVE today lodged an official appeal against the decision to ban Cian Healy for three weeks.

The loosehead prop was cited for stamping during the 6-12 loss to England in Ireland’s last Six Nations fixture.

However, there was confusion over the starting point of the ban and whether he could have been available to play for Leinster last weekend.

On Tuesday, Ireland team manager Mick Kearney signalled the coaching team’s intent to examine whether an appeal was worthwhile

“There was a certain degree of ambiguity in the decision.” Kearney said.

“While Cian was suspended for three weeks, he’s effectively been ruled out of rugby for four weeks and that is an area we’d like clarity on.”

“The whole area of whether he was available to play or not is one we need to look at. If Cian was playing in the Premiership or in France, I don’t think they’d have taken that into consideration.

“Going by the letter of the law they may be right, but we need to examine it closely and come to a sensible decision on it.”

This evening’s statement from the Six Nations says: “The appeal relates to, among other things, the specific period covered by the three-week playing suspension.”

The hope for Ireland will be that the confusion over the matter could free up Healy for France’s visit to Dublin on March 10.

Here’s your ‘perk of being a rising international star’ pic of the day

In From The Side: Forget the Heineken Cup, Jackson will thrive in 6 Nations