Healy cleared for Ireland double

Prop Cian Healy will be available to face France in Ireland's next RBS 6 Nations match after winning an appeal against the timing of a ban.

Healy was suspended for three weeks for stamping on an opponent during the February 10 loss to England but the ban was spread over four weeks, effectively only beginning on February 17.

Healy argued it should have lasted for three weeks starting on the date of the incident and Six Nations tournament organisers have confirmed he has won his case.

A statement read: "The player had argued, among other things, that by extending the three-week suspension over four weekends (to take account of the first break weekend in the RBS 6 Nations Championship) was not permissible under the relevant regulations.

"The independent Six Nations disciplinary appeal committee, chaired by professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland), along with Antony Davies (England) and Rod McKenzie (Scotland), upheld the appeal."

The Leinster forward's ban will now expire at midnight on March 3, enabling him to play against the French at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on March 9.

The original suspension period was set because the disciplinary committee determined Healy was unlikely to play in Leinster's match against Treviso on February 16, which was a free weekend in the championship.

They therefore felt that to truly serve a three-week ban, the RaboDirect PRO12 game should not be included in the period of punishment.

News of his eligibility will give coach Declan Kidney a lift after two defeats in the opening three matches of the championship.

Healy tweeted: "Appeal successful, 3week suspension will finish on 3rd march, so now available for selection v France. Very happy with this."