LEINSTER ARE expected to make a statement today announcing their intention to appeal the two-week suspension imposed upon their outhalf Jonathan Sexton after the 24-year-old was found guilty of kicking Lifeimi Mafi in Munster's Magners League win in Thomond Park last Saturday, reports Gerry Thornley.

Sexton was found guilty of an act of foul play under law 10.4 of the game by an IRFU disciplinary hearing in Ravenhill yesterday evening which was chaired by Hugh Logan and assisted by Stephen Hilditch and Neil Jackson.

The suspension took effect yesterday and unless the IRFU can organise an appeal hearing before Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final at the Stoop then, remarkably, the suspension will stand.

Sexton had been performing well as a replacement outhalf this season but in that scenario, Isa Nacewa would back up Felipe Contepomi against Harlequins.

The hunt for Scotland’s next head coach began in earnest yesterday after the Scottish Rugby Union advertised for the position on their own website.

Candidates to replace Frank Hadden, who stepped down just over a week ago, have until Monday, April 20th to submit their applications.

Former England manager Andy Robinson is favourite to land the role. Glasgow boss Sean Lineen – a former Scotland international – is also thought to be in the frame but he has so far refused to confirm his interest.