Quinlan loses suspension appeal

Quinlan was banned after being cited for stamping against New Zealand

Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan has failed to get his three-week ban for a stamping offence overturned.

Quinlan was cited following last weekend's defeat by New Zealand and IRB disciplinary officer Lorne Crerar imposed the ban on Wednesday night.

The Munster man's appeal against the ban was heard on Friday.

The failure of Quinlan's appeal means that uncapped Munster flanker Donnacha Ryan is called up to the Ireland bench for Saturday's game against Argentina.

Quinlan, who is ruled out of action until 7 December, was cited for a stamp on All Black number eight Rodney So'oialo in the Croke Park defeat.

Referee Mark Lawrence spotted the incident yet only cautioned the 34-year-old and allowed a penalty against New Zealand to stand.

Citing officer Peter Larter decided the stamp warranted further scrutiny and IRB disciplinary officer Crerar said Quinlan should have been red-carded, and imposed the suspension.