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Healy stamp on Cole was 'reckless'

Prop Cian Healy will be available for Ireland's next Six Nations game against France on 9 March after winning an appeal against the timing of his ban.

Healy was banned for three weeks for stamping against England on 10 February - but the ban was delayed for a week to ensure he missed at least two matches.

That ruled him out of the French game as well Sunday's defeat in Scotland.

The Appeal Committee ruled that Healy's suspension should end at midnight on Sunday 3 March - not 10 March.

The appeal was heard by a three-man panel in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Healy had been cited for the stamp on Dan Cole during a ruck in England's 12-6 win at Lansdowne Road and he appeared before the tournament's disciplinary committee in London.

The loose-head was found guilty of "stamping or trampling on an opponent".

Healy escaped without a yellow or red card from referee Jerome Garces during the match, but the front-rower was reported by citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy.