Ireland number eight Denis Leamy will face France at the Stade de France on Saturday after a Six Nations disciplinary committee cleared him of stamping at a hearing in London today.
Leamy, who faced a ban of between six and 12 weeks had he been found guilty, was cited for an incident involving Italian scrumhalf Paul Griffen.
He appeared to stamp on his opponent at the base of a ruck in the 75th minute and although he looked set to repeat the action, he pulled back before connecting for a second time.
A three-man committee, chaired by Welshman Terry Vaux, today reviewed video evidence of the incident and considered the player’s explanation before clearing the versatile Munster backrow.
"I’m happy that the whole process is now over," Leamy said.
"I believe that I received a fair hearing regarding the incident. I can now look forward to this weekend’s game and performing to the best of my ability for Ireland."
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: "We are obviously delighted with the outcome of the panel and thought that justice was done. Denis and the rest of the squad can now concentrate on Saturday’s game against France."
O’Sullivan yesterday named Leamy in an unchanged Ireland side to play France but had he been ruled out Anthony Foley would have started for the first time since last season’s Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff.
Match citing commissioner Rob Flockhart is still investigating a biting accusation made against an Italian player. Ireland flanker Simon Easterby had his left arm bitten late in the game.
Finally, Bryn Cunningham, the Ulster full-back, is added to the Ireland ‘A’ squad as cover for Ian Dowling who has a leg injury.
Dowling, though, will be given every chance to prove his fitness in the next 48 hours and coach Michael Bradley expects the Munster player to start in Limoges.
IRELAND: 15-Geordan Murphy; 14-Shane Horgan, 13-Brian O'Driscoll(captain), 12-Gordon D'Arcy, 11-Tommy Bowe; 10-Ronan O'Gara, 9-Peter Stringer; 8-Denis Leamy, 7-David Wallace, 6- Simon Easterby, 5-Paul O'Connell, 4-Malcolm O'Kelly, 3-John Hayes, 2-Jerry Flannery, 1-Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16-Rory Best, 17-Simon Best, 18-Donncha O'Callaghan, 19-Johnny O'Connor, 20-Eoin Reddan, 21-David Humphreys, 22-Andrew Trimble.
