It has been announced that the Pro12 Disciplinary chiefs have rescinded the red card shown to winger Steff Evans during the semi-final against Leinster.

The incident occurred in the 37th minute during open play, when Steff Evans was alleged to have unlawfully tackled Leinster centre Garry Ringrose. Referee Marius Mitrea dismissed Evans following a TMO review of the tip tackle, citing that ‘there is a clear lift and twist and it’s clearly on his head’ infringing Law 10.4(j).

The Disciplinary Panel, composed of Scotsmen Roddy Dunlop QC, Roddy MacLeod and Iain Leslie found that Scarlets No. 11 (Evans) committed a lawful tackle in a manner consistent with the laws of the game. It was only the intervention of Scarlets No. 3 (Samson Lee) that made the tackle dangerous. The Panel took further guidance over their decision with reference to the Ross Ford and Jonny Gray Appeal (RWC 2015).

Therefore, Steff Evans is free to play and his suspension rescinded. This means the youngster will be available for the Final against Munster as well as Wales’ summer tests against Tonga and Samoa.

In this writer’s opinion, it is great news for rugby where common sense has prevailed in an area of the lawbook that is still under scrutiny. It is also great news for the 22 year-old, who has enjoyed a superb season and can top it off by impressing in important games for club and country.

Despite being a man down with the scores at 21-10 to the men in red, the Scarlets went on to win the game 27-15 and face Munster in the Grand Final on Saturday 27th at 18:15.

By Dave Beach