Irish forward Alan Quinlan will appeal the 12-match ban that ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

The 34-year-old Munster flanker was banned after making contact with Leinster lock Leo Cullen's eye area in the Heineken Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

The offence was deemed "low range" by an independent disciplinary committee last week, but Quinlan will be unable to play until September if the ban is upheld.

Munster confirmed on Monday that Quinlan will appeal. The hearing is expected to take place next week.

The Lions tour begins against a Royal XV in Rustenburg on May 30.

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