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O’Kelly in the clear

MalcolmOKelly
Malcolm O’Kelly is available for Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations opener against France after receiving a two-week ban for stamping.

Malcolm O’Kelly is available for Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations opener against France after receiving a two-week ban for stamping.

O’Kelly appeared before an independent disciplinary committee after being cited for an incident involving Wasps prop Phil Vickery in Leinster’s 19-12 Heineken Cup defeat at Twickenham last Saturday.

The 34-year-old, Ireland’s most-capped player, was found guilty of stamping but the offence was at the low end of severity.

O’Kelly will be available for selection from Thursday February 5, two days before Ireland launch their Six Nations campaign against France at Croke Park.

Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan are the first-choice locks but injury would see O’Kelly enter the frame, while he could also be required for bench duty.