Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong has been cleared by a disciplinary committee of grabbing Munster back-row Gavin Coombes in the groin during Leinster's 24-18 United Rugby Championship victory at the Aviva Stadium.
The allegation was raised by Coombes to match referee Andrew Brace in the first half, but television match official Colin Stanley could not find conclusive video evidence. Furlong was subsequently cited under Law 9.27, which prohibits acts against the spirit of good sportsmanship including grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.
The disciplinary panel, comprising Simon Thomas (Wales), Attie Heyns (South Africa) and Pamela Woodman (Scotland), met on Thursday and unanimously concluded that the citing complaint should be dismissed, finding that Furlong did not commit an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.27. The committee also noted that Coombes had given an honest account of his recollection of events.
With the sanction dismissed, the 33-year-old Furlong will be available for selection for Ireland's upcoming Nations Championship home matches against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, as well as the finals weekend fixture at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
