Leinster coach Michael Chieka and David Knox have both been fined for their outbursts towards referee Simon McDowell following the province's Magners League game against Munster at Lansdowne Road earlier this month.

The referee's report suggested Cheika approached McDowell and verbally abused him. The Welsh referee also made a complaint about Knox in a separate alteraction.

Leinster team management have fined both Cheika and Knox and a new protocol has been put in place for dealing with match officials in the future.

Cheika is therefore free to take charge ahead of Leinster's opening Heineken cup game against Gloucester this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Leinster hooker Brian Blaney will appear before an IRFU disciplinary hearing at 6pm tomorrow to account for his actions as the two teams left the field at half-time (in the same game) where he was seen on video remonstrating with the referee.