The Pro 12 top try scorer for 2016/17 Steff Evans looked certain to miss the grand final against Munster this weekend after seeing red for a tip tackle on Leinster’s Garry Ringrose last Friday evening. After deliberation with the TMO, referee Marius Mitrea gave Evans his marching orders.
However the Welsh club will be glad to know that Evans has been cleared to face Munster after a disciplinary meeting today.
The panel agreed that the tackle did not become dangerous until the intervention of prop Samson Lee and Evans is now free to take to the field at the Aviva.
The Disciplinary Panel – Roddy Dunlop QC (Chair), Roddy MacLeod and Iain Leslie (all Scotland) – decided, by a majority, that the Player undertook a lawful tackle in a manner that was consistent with the laws of the game.
The tackle only became dangerous as a result of the intervention of Scarlets No 3 (Samson Lee). The Panel having directed itself under reference to the decision of the Appeal Committee in Ross Ford and Jonny Gray (RWC 2015) decided, by a majority, that this meant that the red card should be rescinded.
The player is therefore free to play.
Check out the incident in question here,
Scarlets will be looking for a repeat of their 30-21 success in Thomond Park in February whilst Munster are seeking a first title since 2011.