Red-carded U20 duo are cleared

THE two players red-carded in the Six Nations Under-20s match between Scotland and Wales in Stirling last weekend have been cleared of striking an opponent contrary to Law 10.4 (a).

A statement from Six Nations Rugby Ltd read: "In the case of the Scotland player, Glenn Bryce, the independent Six Nations disciplinary committee, chaired by Jeremy Summers (England) and also comprising George Spotswood (Ireland) and Achille Reali (Italy), held that the evidence revealed that the player had been incorrectly identified by the match officials.

"In the case of the Wales player, Luke Hamilton, the committee was not satisfied that the act of foul play, as alleged, had taken place. Both players are free to resume playing immediately."

The game at Bridgehaugh, which Wales won 33-3, ended in a mass brawl and confusion after the red card for Bryce, as it immediately appeared that officials had dismissed the wrong man.

l Former Wales forward Nathan Budgett, 35, has retired after failing to overcome an ankle injury, his club Bristol have confirmed. The former Ebbw Vale, Bridgend, Celtic Warriors and Cardiff Blues player suffered the injury in last season's play-off semi-final win over London Welsh and had not played since.