Sean O'Brien cleared to play final Test against New Zealand

Ireland international Sean O'Brien has been cleared to play the final and deciding game against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday after his citing complaint was dismissed.

O'Brien was reported by citing commissioner Scott Nowland for allegedly striking New Zealand wing Waisake Naholo during the second Test which was won by Lions 21-24 in Wellington.

The 30-year-old appeared before a three man disciplinary panel on Sunday and declined the charges laid against him and eventually was cleared following a lengthy hearing.

The news was also confirmed by a statement released by New Zealand Rugby.

"British and Irish Lions player Sean O'Brien was cited by independent citing commissioner Scott Nowland under Law 10.4 (a) for striking All Blacks No. 14 in the second Test match played between the All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions on Saturday, 1 July 2017 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

"O'Brien denied he committed an offence under Law 10.4(a).

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the evidence available, including all video footage and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative Max Duthie, the independent judicial committee comprising Adam Casselden SC (chair), David Croft and John Langford dismissed the citing complaint."

The Leinster flanker was delighted with the verdict and is looking forward to the final game at Eden Park.

"Firstly, I hope Waisake is OK.

"I would like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case, and I am looking forward to rejoining the whole squad to prepare for the final Test."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland added "We would like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach.

"Sean is a tough but fair player, and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing."