The hooker has been cleared following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London today (Wednesday, 20 January 2016).
Thomas Rhys Thomas was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Dave Guyan (England), for allegedly biting the Castres Olympique back row, Thomas Caballero (No 6), in the 67th minute of the European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 5 match at Rodney Parade on Friday, 15 January 2016 in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
Law 10.4 (m) Biting
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Biting, carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24+ to 208 weeks.
The independent Judicial Officer, Rod McKenzie (Scotland), heard submissions and evidence from Thomas Rhys Thomas, who denied committing an offence of foul play that warranted a red card, from the Newport Gwent Dragons Team Manager, Sara Davies, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
As the Judicial Officer was not satisfied to the required standard that the act of foul play as alleged had been committed, the citing complaint was dismissed and Thomas Rhys Thomas is therefore free to play.
