The 20-year-old Ebbw Vale and Dragons No 8, who was named as the Man of the Match in the record breaking, 42-16 win over England at Bristol last weekend feared he might have to miss the final game after being cited for a dangerous tackle.
Keddie, who scored one of Wales’ six tries at Ashton Gate, was given a yellow card for the tackle on England outside half Mat Protheroe in the home 22. He was then cited by an independent citing commissioner and faced a Six Nations disciplinary panel today (Tuesday).
The disciplinary committee – Jean-Philippe Lachaume (France, chairman), Pat Barriscale (Ireland) and George Spotswood (Ireland) – considered various clips of TV footage of the incident and listened to representations by, and on behalf of the player and found that he had committed a dangerous tackle contrary to law 10.4(e).
But the panel decided that his actions had not been worthy of a red card. While the citing was upheld, no sanction was imposed and Keddie is free to play on Friday night when Wales go in search of their first junior Six Nations title, and Grand Slam, since 2005.
Meanwhile, Tomas Francis has been suspended for eight weeks by an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee in London. It means he will miss the RBS 6 Nations final round fixture against Italy at the Principality Stadium this weekend.
Having been cited by an independent citing commissioner for allegedly making contact with the eye or eye area of an opponent, England prop Dan Cole, in the game at Twickenham last weekend he faced a three-man panel today (Tuesday).
The disciplinary committee – Pat Barriscale (Ireland, chairman), Jean-Philippe Lachaume (France) and George Spotswood (Ireland) – considered various clips of TV footage and listened to representations by, and on behalf, of the player before finding that he had recklessly made contact with the eye or eye area of an opponent, which had been worthy of a red card.
The disciplinary committee heard submissions on sanction before concluding that the offence as at the lower end of World Rugby’s recommended scale, which has an entry point of 12 weeks. After considering aggravating and mitigating factors, the disciplinary committee agreed on a suspension of eight weeks.
Francis will be free to play again on Monday, 9 May, but also has the right to appeal the decision. The England prop Joe Marler, who was also cited in the same game, is due to have his disciplinary hearing later this week.
Â
