Leamy cleared
08/02/2006 - 16:17:23Ireland’s Denis Leamy will line up against France in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash in Paris after being cleared of stamping on Italy scrum-half Paul Griffen.
Leamy appeared before a disciplinary hearing at a Heathrow hotel this afternoon after being cited by match commissioner Rob Flockhart for the incident, which took place in the 75th minute of Saturday’s 26-16 victory over Italy.
The Munster number eight appeared to stamp on Griffen at the base of a ruck and although he looked set to repeat the action, he pulled back before connecting.
Upon viewing the video evidence and hearing the player’s explanation the independent three-man panel, chaired by Terry Vaux, decided there was no case to answer.
Anthony Foley, who won the last of his 62 caps against Wales in the 2005 Six Nations, was on standby to replace Leamy in case he was banned.
Leamy would have faced a ban of between six and 12 weeks had he been found guilty, however his availability allows coach Eddie O'Sullivan to field an unchanged side for France.
The 24-year-old has been O’Sullivan’s first choice number eight since the November internationals, keeping the more experienced Foley out of the side.
Many feel Foley should be reinstated to the back row, although not at the expense of Leamy who was praised by New Zealand’s coaching team following the autumn clash at Lansdowne Road.
Italy highlighted an incident involving skipper Brian O’Driscoll during last Saturday’s Six Nations opener, claiming the Lions centre had stamped on their hooker Fabio Ongaro.
Flockhart felt no citing was required – in his defence O’Driscoll declared he was only rucking Ongaro off the ball – but did call for Leamy to face the hearing.
Scotsman Flockhart is still investigating an accusation of biting made against an Italian player.
Simon Easterby received a wound to his left arm after being bitten late in the match and although he has named the culprit in private, no official announcement over his identity has been made.
Flockhart initially had until 3.30pm on Monday to complete his investigation, but a lack of evidence prompted him to take the additional time permitted under new International Rugby Board regulations to review the incident further.
<-- BACK TO STORY