Adrian Motoc has been cleared to play in Romania's World Cup opener against Ireland, an independent disciplinary committee said on Thursday, following its decision to overturn the red card the lock received in a game against Italy.
Motoc was sent off for a dangerous play in a ruck during Romania's 57-7 defeat to the Italians on Saturday in the Summer Nations Series.
"Had it not been for the sudden and significant movements of the Italy number 7, who was removing himself from the ruck to re-join the defensive line, the player would not have made contact with the head of the Italy 7," the committee said in a statement.
"On that basis, the committee did not uphold the red card and the player is free to play again immediately."
The news was less positive for Tonga centre George Moala. He'll miss three matches after his appeal against a five-game suspension for foul play was dismissed.
On Monday Moala lodged an appeal against the decision to suspend him for the red card he received for a lifting tackle during the warm-up match against Canada on 10 August.
Moala will miss Tonga's pool games against Ireland, Scotland and South Africa but will return to face Romania.
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