Denis Leamy will face a disciplinary hearing for an alleged stamping incident against Italy over the weekend. The versatile Ireland back-row will learn his fate at a hearing in London this coming Wednesday.
While there will be disappointment for Leamy, the Irish management will breath a sigh of relief after it emerged captain Brian O'Driscoll has no case to answer after also being reported for an alleged stamp.
The decision means O'Driscoll will be available for Saturday's crucial trip to Paris where Ireland will face a French side desperate to get their Six Nations campaign back on track having been humbled by Scotland yesterday.
The Six Nations committee opted to extend the deadline with regards Italy's Martin Castrogiovanni. The Italian had been accused of biting Ireland's Simon Easterby but after initial investigations proved inconclusive, citing commissioner Rob Flockhart has been afforded more time to review the match tapes.
O'Driscoll had protested his innocence in the aftermath of Ireland's unconvincing 26-16 win at Lansdowne Road, explaining that he had engaged in rucking but dismissing any suggestions of foul-play after Azzurri coach Pierre Berbizier claimed he was guilty of illegal rucking on hooker Fabio Ongaro,.
"Italy were trying to slow our ball down. Rucking is part of the game these days and as far I'm concerned that's exactly what I was doing," explained O'Driscoll.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, who is due to name his side for the match at the Stade de France tomorrow afternoon, put his entire squad - containing eight additions - through their paces behind closed doors at Blackrock College today.
It is expected that everyone will be fit to face France, despite Paul O’Connell suffering from a bruised hip and Leamy sustaining a dead leg against Italy.
Forwards Reggie Corrigan, Mick O'Driscoll, Anthony Foley and Neil Best, plus backs Denis Hickie, Girvan Dempsey, John Kelly and Barry Murphy - were all called up last night after being named in Ireland's original Six Nations party but omitted from the squad for Italy.
