FRANCE SECOND ROW Bernard le Roux is free to play against Ireland in their Six Nations clash on Saturday in Paris after avoiding a ban for foul play at a disciplinary hearing.

The Racing 92 man had been cited for allegedly striking Alun Wyn Jones with his elbow in France’s win over Wales last weekend.

However, an independent panel has not handed le Roux a suspension in a major boost for les Bleus.

At today’s hearing, le Roux acknowledged that he had made contact with Jones but denied committing an act of foul play.

The disciplinary panel found that le Roux had committed foul play but did not deem his actions worthy of a red card.

As such, le Roux was not suspended.

“The France second row forward, Bernard Le Roux, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee via videoconference today,” reads a statement issued by the Six Nations.

“Mr Le Roux had been cited following the match between France and Wales on 24 October 2020 at Stade de France for an alleged infringement of Law 9.12 (striking with the hand or arm) in the 19th minute of the match. The citing complaint had alleged that  Mr Le Roux had struck the Wales second row, Alun Wyn Jones.

Mr Le Roux acknowledged that he had made contact with Mr 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.

“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 have lost starting wing Teddy Thomas to a hamstring injury, while first-choice fullback Anthony Bouthier is a doubt due to a head injury against Wales last weekend.