Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says the six-game suspension handed to prop Tom O'Toole "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.

Tom O'Toole will be unavailable for Ireland's first two Six Nations matches after being handed a six-game ban for dangerous play in Ulster's United Rugby Championship match against Munster.

Ireland prop Tom O'Toole has been hit with a ban for the first two Six Nations games for 'dangerous play' at provincial level.

IRELAND will have to fare without Ulster forward Tom O’Toole for the England and Scotland Six Nations fixtures after he received a six-game ban for dangerous play against Munster last month. O’Toole will also miss the next three Ulster games;

The Ulster prop was shown a red card by referee Ben Whitehouse in the first half of their United Rugby Championship clash for a dangerous clearout of Alex Nankivell at a ruck. O’Toole targetted the left leg of the Munster centre, which subsequently forced him from the field with a hamstring tendon injury as Munster went on to win 22-19 in Belfast.

Ireland will be without the services of Tom O'Toole for the Six Nations start after he received a six-week ban for foul play while on duty for Ulster.

Ulster and Ireland prop Tom O'Toole has been hit with a six-match ban, which rules him out of the opening two games of the Guinness Six Nations.

Ulster's Tom O'Toole will miss the start of Ireland's Six Nations campaign after being hit with a six-match ban. The prop was red carded in Ulster's clash with Munster before Christmas for a dangerous clearout on Alex Nankivell.