Ireland U20's Ryan Baird cleared to face Italy

Ireland U20 lock Ryan Baird has been cleared to face Italy in the third round of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Buenos Aires despite a red-card incident during the game against Australia last weekend.

Baird was sent-off in the 21st minute by referee Christopher Ridley in consultation with TMO for a dangerous tackle on Australia fly-half Will Harrison and the decision proved costly as Ireland succumbed to a 45-17 defeat.

He appeared before a three-person World Rugby disciplinary committee comprising of José Luis Rolandi (Argentina), Stefan Terblanche (former South African player) and Valeriu Toma (former Romanian referee) but following a review, the panel deemed that there will be no further sanction on Baird.

"Ireland second-row Ryan Baird appeared before an independent World Rugby Disciplinary Committee in Rosario on 10 June, 2019 following the red card issued by referee Christopher Ridley in Ireland’s match against Australia in the World Rugby U20 Championship on 8 June, 2019 in Santa Fe, Argentina, for a high tackle on Australia’s fly-half Will Harrison in breach of Law 9.13," read the statement from the governing body.

'The Committee received evidence from Baird, Harrison, the Australian team doctor and the referee as well as a presentation by the player and his team management.

The Disciplinary Committee found that on detailed analysis there had not been direct contact between Baird’s arm and Harrison’s head and that Baird’s tackle had slipped up from the shoulder.

"Applying the World Rugby Decision Making Framework for High Tackles (laws.worldrugby.org/en/guidelines) elected to impose no further sanction."

Ireland currently are at the second position in Pool B with a win and a defeat apiece in the two games and will face Italy in the third round.