Kyle Sinckler to be available for third Test after biting charges dismissed
Kyle Sinckler has been named on the bench for the third Test against South Africa
©PA
British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler will be available for the third against South Africa after his citing charges was dismissed.
The news will be a big relief for Sinckler as if proved guilty the England international could have faced a minimum suspension of 12 weeks.
The 28-year-old was cited by the citing commissioner for an alleged biting incident on South Africa second row Franco Mostert's arm during a ruck in the 64th minute in the second Test last weekend.
Sinckler faced an independent disciplinary hearing via a video conference with the panel chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia), along with David Croft and John Langford (both Australia). However, the committee dismissed the charges after reviewing the evidences stating "on the balance of probabilities, it could not be satisfied the player committed an act of foul play".
“The committee considered all the available evidence, including multiple broadcast angles, submissions from the player and his representative and expert witness testimony," read a statement.
“Having reviewed all the evidence, the committee deemed that on the balance of probabilities, it could not be satisfied that the player committed an act of foul play.
“On that basis, the committee dismissed the citing and the player is free to play again immediately.”
Sinckler has been named on the bench by head coach Warren Gatland for the series decider that has been scheduled to be played in Cape Town on Saturday.
