Bernard Le Roux escapes ban for cheap shot on Jones

Bernard Le Roux of France has been cleared to play in the Guinness Six Nations finale against Ireland after a hearing into an act of foul play against Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.

Second row forward Le Roux, who featured in Racing's October 17 Champions Cup final loss to Exeter, was accused of striking Jones with a forearm during the 38-21 friendly win by France in Paris on Saturday. Le Roux told an independent disciplinary committee on Tuesday that he had made contact with Jones but denied that it had been an act of foul play.

“The disciplinary committee, which comprised Charles Cuthbert (UAE), Leon Lloyd (England) and Frank Hadden (Scotland), considered all of the relevant material and heard evidence and submissions from Mr Le Roux and his legal counsel, Louis Weston,” read a Six Nations statement.

“The disciplinary committee found that Mr Le Roux had committed an act of foul play (an infringement of Law 9.12) but that it had not warranted a red card, and that Mr Le Roux is, therefore, free to resume playing immediately.”

France - with Le Roux now cleared to play - head into the final weekend of the delayed 2020 Six Nations in third place, one point behind leaders Ireland who know that a bonus-point win in Paris on Saturday will give them the title.

Second-placed England, who are alongside France on 13 points, will conclude their campaign away to last-placed Italy in Rome knowing that a big win will heap pressure on Ireland for their game in Paris.

Jones, who will break Richie McCaw’s 148-Test world appearance record if he plays for Wales in their rearranged championship game with Scotland at Parc Y Scarlets, refused to comment on the incident with Le Roux when quizzed by media following last Saturday's defeat in Paris.