DLSP prop forward Kent Ashmore has broken his silence after been cleared of the incident which left former Irish international forward Gary Halpin needing 40 stitches to an ear wound.

Ashmore was cleared of stamping by an IRFU Disciplinary Committee but was horrified at claims in a Sunday newspaper that the injury did not happen by accident.

Now Ashmore has made it clear he had nothing on his conscience following the incident which occurred during his club's All-Ireland League game with Blackrock on February 10th. Ashmore has suggested Halpin should accept the decision and let the matter rest.

"I would scarcely give away a penalty, let alone do something like this," he said. "I went to Dublin to try to become a good rugby player, not become involved in filth."

Blackrock cited Ashmore for deliberate use of the boot, but the disciplinary committee recently cleared the player after two meetings.

Meanwhile, Ashmore expects to be out of rugby for about a year as a result of breaking his leg in two places in a league match against Belfast Harlequins. "I'm very determined to come back to the game," he said.

French hooker Olivier Azam has signed a one-year contract with his club Gloucester.

The 26-year-old has spurned rival bids from other clubs, including top French side Stade Francais, and has opted to stay at Kingsholm. "I am very happy to have the chance to extend my English experience for one more year," said Azam.

"I had contacts from clubs on the other side of the Channel but I think Gloucester is a competitive club with a very nice group of players."