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Schmidt gets lock disciplinary hearing boost

Ireland lock Iain Henderson is free to play (Photo: Getty Images)

Iain Henderson has been given the green light to keep competing for an Ireland match-day recall this weekend after his PRO14 citing failed the red card test at a disciplinary hearing.

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The Ulster lock was included on Tuesday morning in Joe Schmidt’s 34-strong squad for next Sunday’s round three Six Nations match away to Italy.

However, his inclusion remained in jeopardy as he was under the threat of suspension until late Tuesday afternoon due to a citing that stemmed from his Ulster comeback last Friday night.

Henderson, who had missed the opening two rounds of the Six Nations due to a finger injury sustained during mid-January Champions Cup duty with Ulster, was declared fit for Ireland after playing the full 80 minutes of his provincial side’s league win over Ospreys at Bridgend.

However, that initial good news was tempered by Monday’s development that he was to face a league disciplinary hearing via video conference after he was cited for an allegedly dangerous ruck clearance in the 14th minute of his return to play.

A ban would have ruled him out of the Test selection shake-up to face Italy. But the disciplinary hearing committee, which sat in Edinburgh and comprised Roddy Dunlop (chair), Ian Douglas and Beth Dickens, reviewed the video clips and reports, heard explanations from the player and his representatives.

Henderson, who had been attempting a legitimate manoeuvre which was destabilised by another player, admitted an act of foul play had occurred as his arm had been around the shoulder and neck of an Ospreys opponent.

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The panel agreed that an act of foul play was proven. However, they considered it only merited a yellow card given the limited ability of Henderson to take avoiding action in a short space of time.

Because the act did not merit an on-field red card, the citing complaint was not upheld and it leaves Henderson in with the chance of playing for Ireland next weekend.

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Jon 3 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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