“I’m gonna knock you out. Momma said knock you out…”

LL Cool J

The hearing’s been held, and the verdict is in – fourth round TKO for Munster’s Paul O’Connell. After careful consideration at a hearing in front of the European Rugby Cup powers that be, the current lock for Munster, and formerly for the British and Irish Lions lock, O’Connell has landed a four-week ban for his recent swing at (if that’s what you want to call it) at Ospreys flanker and 8-man Jonathan Thomas.

Did O’Connell get enough time? While the decision has already been made, there is plenty of room for debate on this issue.

Watch the video below, courtesy of Munster Rugby, and judge for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/v/B1j1czTHW-s?fs=1&hl=en_US

O’Donnell had just returned to action after suffering from an infected a groin injury. The injury forced him to miss both Ireland’s 2010 summer international match (also called “Test”) series, as well as the recently concluded autumn tours by New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and Samoa. Prior to this he had seen quite a bit of action for not only Ireland, but also the previously mentioned British and Irish Lions.

Thomas, the versatile forward for Ospreys and the Wales National teams, has racked up over 60 appearances for the Welsh National team since his debut in 2003, including appearing in two Rugby World Cups. Welsh rugby players have usually been incredibly tough on the field – think Scott Quinnell, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams. So I was surprised to see Thomas drop as quickly as he did when O’Donnell gave him the reverse, behind the back, overhand jam, nothing but net clothesline.