Varley free to face Leinster

Rugby:Damien Varley will be available to play for Munster against Leinster on Saturday, despite a Pro 12 disciplinary committee upholding the red card he received against Ospreys.

Varley was sent off in the 30-15 defeat to the league champions for lashing out at Alun Wyn Jones with the boot.

At the hearing in Edinburgh, however, it was decided the red card was adequate punishment for the incident and the offence “did not warrant further sanction being imposed.”

The disciplinary committee comprised of Paul Minto (chairman), John Kirk and Rob Flockhart (all from Scotland).

“The player is therefore free to resume playing with immediate effect, and also has the right of appeal,” a statement concluded this afternoon.

Rob Penney, therefore, has a choice to make between Varley and Mike Sherry as to who will be the starting hooker for the interprovincial derby at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (6.30pm).

The pair have been rotated so far this season.

Penney is expected to announce his team at lunchtime tomorrow.