British and Irish Lions Cian Healy cleared of biting opponent

British and Irish Lions Cian Healy has been cleared of allegations that he bit Western Force scrum-half Brett Sheehan.

Healy was ordered to appear before a disciplinary hearing after he was cited for the offence, with Sheehan having complained to the referee during the 69-17 defeat to the Lions in Perth.

However judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC ruled that there was insignificant evidence to prove Healy had been guilty of any act contrary to good sportsmanship following the hearing in Brisbane.

In a statement, Hampton said: “There is no conclusive video evidence of the incident and post-match it was not possible to distinguish any discernible bite marks outside of the ‘regular’ marks usually found following a rugby match.

“I cannot find proven on the balance of probabilities that there was a deliberate bite here, and the citing complaint is not upheld.”

Hampton ruled that it was likely there was “unavoidable contact” between Healy’s mouth and Sheehan’s arm due to the force of tackle.

The ruling means that Healy is now available for selection – however there are still question marks over his involvement on the tour after he damaged his ankle against the Force.

Healy is facing further scans on Friday afternoon to determine the extent of the damage.