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FORMER Irish rugby star Trevor Brennan will appeal against a lifetime playing ban in five weeks’ time, the European Rugby Cup announced today.

The lock will attend an independent appeal committee at the ERC headquarters in Dublin on Friday June 1.

Brennan will also appeal against a suspension from participating in any tournament organised by the ERC and a hefty fine, after being found guilty of misconduct for punching a supporter during a Heineken Cup clash.

The Toulouse star announced his immediate retirement from the game just days before the hearing in London on March 16.

An independent disciplinary committee found Brennan guilty of entering one of the seating areas in Stade Ernest Wallon on January 21 and repeatedly striking Ulster spectator Patrick Bamford.

He was also fined 25,000 euro (£17,000) and ordered to pay 2,500 euro (£3,500) compensation to Bamford and the costs of convening the hearing.

Brennan – who claimed he was provoked, which has been denied by the fan – had even tried to adjourn the hearing in the Irish High Court, fearing the outcome of the disciplinary hearing would affect his right to silence in the French court.

The rugby player has also been banned by the French Rugby Federation, which banned Brennan until the disciplinary hearing was complete.

However, the bans do not stop Brennan from coaching or management outside of ERC tournaments.

The appeal committee will be chaired by Wyn Williams QC (Wales), and will also comprise Robert Horner (England) and Bill Dunlop (Scotland).