O’Brien cleared as Williams is hit with four-game ban

Sean O’Brien says he is looking forward to rejoining the Lions squad after a citing complaint against him was dismissed.

The Ireland flanker is now free to play in Saturday’s Test series decider.

O’Brien was reported by match citing commissioner Scott Nowland for allegedly striking New Zealand wing Waisake Naholo with his arm during Saturday’s second Test.

O’Brien denied he committed an offence during a lengthy three-man judicial hearing in Wellington yesterday, with the citing complaint subsequently being thrown out.

In a response issued to the verdict by the Lions, O’Brien said: “Firstly, I hope Waisake is OK.

“I would like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case, and I am looking forward to rejoining the whole squad to prepare for the final Test.”

Lions head coach Warren Gatland said: “We would like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach.

“Sean is a tough but fair player, and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing.”

New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams will miss Saturday’s Test after receiving a four-week ban.

Williams was given a 25th-minute red card by French referee Jerome Garces following a shoulder charge on Lions wing Anthony Watson’s head at Westpac Stadium.

World Cup-winning centre Williams, who revealed he has apologised to Watson, was hit with a ban when he appeared before the three-man judicial panel yesterday.

The 31-year-old said on the All Blacks’ official Twitter account he was “really disappointed, but happy with being able to get in there and say my piece”.

He added: “They’ve come to the conclusion that it was reckless, it wasn’t intentional.

“I’ve got in contact with Anthony, and I’ve apologised to him.”

Sean O’Brien: citing thrown out by three-man hearing.