 Felipe Contepomi played for Argentina in the recent World Cup |
Leinster's Argentine fly-half Felipe Contepomi looks certain to be ruled out of the six Heineken Cup pool matches because of an administrative blunder. Contepomi's Leinster registration documents needed be backed up by release forms from his previous employer Bristol but these were not forwarded to the relevant authorities by the stipulated date of 13 November.
Leinster thought the IRFU was in possession of the release documents, while the IRFU presumed Leinster had them.
The problem was only noticed last week and Leinster now seem certain to be without Contepomi for the group stage of the Heineken Cup.
Leinster are set to make an appeal over the issue but their hopes of having the player available prior to the knockout stages of the competition are thought to be remote.
In Contepomi's likely absence it would appear that Christian Warner will line out in the opening Heineken Cup game against Biarritz next weekend.
Contepomi is scheduled to make his Leinster debut in Saturday's Celtic League match against the Ospreys in Neath.
MMIX
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