Ulster's Henderson suspended for Challenge Cup final

Henderson received a 20-minute red card in Ulster's draw with Stormers on Friday after a croc roll on Deon Fourie

Ulster captain Iain Henderson will miss the European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier after he was handed a three-match suspension by the United Rugby Championship.

Henderson was initially shown a yellow card. was then upgraded to a 20-minute red card for a croc roll on Deon Fourie in Ulster's dramatic 38-38 draw with Stormers in the United Rugby Championship on Friday.

The 34-year-old this week appeared in front of an independent disciplinary committee. "accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card".

This was for falling foul of Law 9.20 (d) which states that "a player may remove the tackler from the tackle area,. must not roll, pull or twist an opponent".

The disciplinary committee deemed that the act of foul play was "reckless". merited a "mid-range entry point of six weeks for sanctioning".

But mitigation was applied for Henderson because of his "previous good record (one suspension in a 15-year playing career), his remorse. immediate concern for the opponent player plus his good conduct and full co-operation with the disciplinary process".

As a result, the second row was afforded 50% mitigation, reducing the length of his suspension to three weeks.

Henderson will miss Ulster's final URC regular season game against Glasgow Warriors on Friday. the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao on 22 May.

The final game of his suspension is dependant on whether Richie Murphy's side reach the URC play-offs.

If they finish in the top eight. reach the quarter-finals at the end of the month, Henderson will be banned for that game, but if they fail to qualify, Henderson's suspension will carry over to Ireland's Nations Championship opener against Australia on 4 July.

Henderson's suspension is a further blow to Murphy's preparations as the Irish province chase their first piece of silverware in 20 years.

They will also be without key centre Stuart McCloskey for the final after he suffered a hamstring injury in the semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs, while back row David McCann (knee). full-back Jacob Stockdale (facial fracture) are also doubts.