Ulster prop Robbie Kempson could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines if found guilty of headbutting at a disciplinary hearing scheduled for tomorrow night.
The South African was cited by The Borders for an alleged headbutt during last Friday's Celtic League tie, a match Ulster won 46-5. It is claimed Kempson directed a headbutt at Borders flanker Dan Kane.
The alleged incident was missed by BBC television cameras covering the game, but Borders have claimed their own private match video picked it up. They were to have sent copies of the video to the Ulster branch and the IRFU, but as of this morning (Tuesday) no tapes had arrived at Ravenhill.
Under Celtic League rules the accused player's home union is responsible for any disciplinary action against a player but it remains unclear if IRFU have received a copy of the video, leaving a question mark hanging over the proceedings.
A hearing had been provisionally scheduled for tomorrow night but this may have to be postponed to afford Ulster and Kempson the opportunity to prepare their case if and when the video is received.
In other news, former Connacht coach Steph Nel has been confirmed as head coach at Rotherham. Nel had been acting on a consultancy basis since the end of October but has effectively been in charge of playing matters since his arrival.
Rotherham, bottom of the Premiership in England and yet to register a single point, were waiting for the South African to be granted a work permit before making the official announcement.
As well as coaching Connacht, Nel has worked with Ireland A, and Rotherham team manager Jim Kilfoyle believes he is the right man to take the club forward.
"Steph has brought a wealth of experience to Rotherham. He's coached in South Africa and Ireland and did a tremendous job in turning Connacht around," he said. "He's a very professional man and we've become a tighter unit since he's been with us. Everybody has been very impressed by him and all the signs suggest he will do a good job for us."