Ireland lock Iain Henderson has been cleared to play in the weekend's Six Nations clash in Rome after a citing complaint made against the player following his province's game against Ospreys was not upheld at a Pro 14 disciplinary hearing this afternoon.
Henderson was cited following Ulster's 8-0 win away to Ospreys on Friday, after a review of an incident on the 14th minute when he was penalised for a dangerous clear-out from a ruck.
The offence carried a minimum two-week ban but at today's disciplinary hearing, the three member panel adjudged that the incident only merited a yellow card.
Henderson acknowledged the foul play but argued that he had been attempting a legitimate manoeuvre which was destabilised by another player.
On reviewing the footage, the panel decided that a yellow card would have been an appropriate punishment given the limited ability of the player to take avoiding action. As a result, he is now free to play in Rome.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Henderson will be deemed fit to play in the match as he still battling a thumb injury though he has been training with the side in Carton House this week.
