IRELAND SECOND ROW Ryan Baird has been cleared by a disciplinary committee and is free to play against Italy in today’s U20 World Championship final Pool B clash.
Baird was dismissed for a high tackle against Australia on Saturday. Source: Pablo Gasparini/INPHO
Baird received a red card in Saturday’s defeat to Australia for a high tackle on out-half Will Harrison. The Leinster lock flew out of Ireland’s defensive line in the 21st minute to hit the Junior Wallabie, but connected with his head.
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Referee Christopher Ridley decided that there was a ‘high level of force and danger’ involved after consulting his TMO, said he had ‘no choice’ but to hand Baird his marching orders while 14-man Ireland went on to suffer a 45-17 defeat.
The player appeared at a hearing before an independent World Rugby Disciplinary Committee chaired by José Luis Rolandi [Argentina], along with Stefan Terblanche [former South African player] and Valeriu Toma [former Romanian referee], in Rosario.
And there was good news for Noel McNamara’s men as he walked free.
A statement, explaining how the panel received evidence from Baird, Harrison, the Australian team doctor and the referee as well as a presentation by the player and his team management, reads: