NSW Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan has been cleared to play in Sunday's clash against the Highlanders after being issued with a warning for his high tackle on Jordie Barrett.
Meanwhile, Richard Kahui faces a nervous wait as the Force challenge his red card for his shot on Mitch Hunt.
Ryan's return to Super Rugby ended prematurely after collecting the All Black in the head as the Waratahs pushed for a game-winner.
Whilst the play escaped initial sanctioning, the TMO pulled the play back as the hosts went on the attack, with referee Jordan Way issuing him with a red card.
However, SANZAAR's Judiciary Committee has opted to not suspend the 33-year-old, believing it did not reach the red card threshold.
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee found the foul play did not breach the red card threshold," Foul Play Review Committee Chair Michael Heron QC ruled.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a Warning as it was close to, but did not breach the red card threshold. The Foul Play Review Committee deemed that the significant mitigating factors, including the ball carrier significantly dropping in height, rotation, and additional players being involved within the tackle, mitigated the sanction to a Warning.
"The player is therefore free to resume playing.”
The ruling is a major boost for the Waratahs, who had brought in Ryan as short-term injury cover for Harry Johnson-Holmes after his knee injury.
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As for Kahui, he will head to the Judiciary tonight after the Committee upheld the initial decision to issue the All Blacks legend a red card during their 61-10 defeat.
"Following initial consideration by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, Richard Kahui of the Force will appear at a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing after being red carded for alleged foul play during a Super Rugby Pacific match at the weekend," they added.
"Kahui is alleged to have contravened Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, during the match between the Highlanders and Force at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on 13 May 2022.
"The Judicial Committee for the Hearing will be Mike Mika (Chair), David Croft and Chris Smith which will be held by video conference on Tuesday 17 May 2022, 5pm(AWST), 7pm(AEST), 9pm(NZST)."
