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Michael Scully

Craig Gilroy's Ulster return date changes as suspension is reduced

Craig Gilroy is available for Ulster's URC clash with Leinster on Saturday week after having a four-game suspension reduced.

Gilroy, 30, was scheduled to return for his province from Sunday, March 13 but instead his ban will end this Sunday.

The winger successfully participated in the World Rugby HPC Coaching Intervention process, where a player can undergo a coaching session to modify their technique or behaviours.

Read more: City of Armagh full-back Shea O'Brien excited by Ulster Rugby challenge

This process is overseen by an independent expert coaching review group, which has reduced the ban by a further week, reports the Irish Mirror.

Gilroy was originally cited for an incident in the URC clash with Scarlets on Friday, January 28 for an act of foul play under Law 9.13 against opposite number Thomas Rogers.

A disciplinary panel considered the evidence available and concluded that Gilroy’s actions were reckless and thus warranted a red card.

It was decided that his previous record and behaviour during the process entitled him to mitigation.

But Gilroy felt the incident did not warrant a red card and the Panel determined that he was not entitled to full (50%) mitigation.

However, having taken part in the World Rugby HPC Coaching Intervention process, Gilroy will be free to play as of Sunday.

Ulster are next in action on Friday, when they take on Cardiff at the Kingspan Stadium with skipper Iain Henderson set to feature after he was released from Ireland camp for game time after he sat out the last Six Nations clash with Italy due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Read more: Introducing Frank Bradshaw Ryan, Ulster's 'giant' new signing

Read more: Ulster will take strength from arm wrestle win over the Dragons, says Andrew Trimble

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