Johnny Sexton's World Cup plans are in doubt over a misconduct letter sent to Leinster by European rugby chiefs.
The Ireland captain has been accused of three counts of misconduct arising from Leinster's Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle in Dublin last month.
Sexton approached South African referee Jaco Peyper, as well as English linesmen Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley, after the Aviva Stadium clash, which at least one of the officials has reportedly described as "intimidating".
READ MORE: Ireland and Munster lock Jean Kleyn drafted into South Africa training squad
The 37-year-old could miss World Cup warm-up matches and games in the tournament itself if handed a big enough ban.
Earlier this year, Pau coach Sebastien Piqueronies was banned for 10 weeks after pleading guilty to a misconduct charge after he grabbed Scottish referee Sam Grove-White in the Challenge Cup.
Such a ban for Sexton would be seen as extreme, but Dylan Hartley received an 11-week suspension for allegedly swearing at referee Wayne Barnes during the 2013 Premiership final.
The fly-half's season has been hampered by injury and he has not played since March. A 10-week ban, if issued this week, would see Sexton return in time for Ireland's final World Cup warm-up match against Samoa, meaning he would go to France having played just one game in six months.
READ NEXT:
Rhasidat Adeleke wins gold medal at NCAA Championships as she breaks record again
Fans baffled as Munster hurling final broadcast in Irish on RTE for sky customers
Inside Man City's Champions League celebrations as Jack Grealish takes centre stage
It's a long way from Clare to here: Marty Morrissey on life in the commentary box
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
