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Ryan Wilson's medical history critical in citing complaint not being upheld

By Online Editors
Scotland flanker Ryan Wilson

Scottish Number 8 Ryan Wilson is free to play against Ireland after his citing for an incident with Nathan Hughes during the Calcutta Cup on the weekend was dismissed.

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The alleged foul play was not upheld at today’s hearing in London.

Wilson had been cited for an alleged act of foul play by the independent Citing Commissioner appointed by World Rugby at the NatWest 6 Nations match between Scotland and England on Saturday, namely contact with the eye area of an opponent.

Criticially it was Wilson’s medical records that played a significant part in the allegations against him being dismissed.

A statement reads: ‘The Disciplinary Committee accepted medical evidence adduced on the player’s behalf to the effect that, due to a pre-existing injury, two of his fingers (his fourth and little finger on his right hand) were involuntarily in a bent or hooked position.

“The Disciplinary Committee also considered that the contact with the eye area had been reckless (rather than intentional), light and fleeting, and had come about as a result of the player’s attempts to grab his opponent’s shirt during an off-the-ball scuffle with his opponent.

“After careful consideration, the Disciplinary Committee did not conclude that the foul play had warranted a red card, and the citing was not upheld. No sanction was imposed and the player is free to resume playing immediately.”

Wilson gave a brilliantly humourous response to being freed to play.

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Before the match started Wilson was also involved in an off-field incident with Owen Farrell. The Six Nations have finished their investigation into the incident and have concluded that no further action should be taken.

Farrell and Wilson appeared to become embroiled in some pushing and shoving as the two teams left the field following their pre-match warm-ups.

A statement provided to Omnisport on Sunday read: “Six Nations Rugby will be writing to the unions to request clarification on what happened in the tunnel.”

England coach Eddie Jones denied any knowledge of a scuffle, while Scotland captain John Barclay was quoted by the Guardian as saying: “I heard about it but I am always the first off the pitch after the warm-up and I was in the toilets.

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“It is one of those things that gets built up into something more than it was.

“It is a big game and a big rivalry. It was niggly and physical with a lot on the line.”

Scotland went on to beat England 25-13 to win the Calcutta Cup for the first time in 10 years and end their rivals’ hopes of claiming a Grand Slam.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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