O'Driscoll escapes citing

Brian O’Driscoll is set to skipper Ireland against France at the Stade de France on Saturday but the visitors could be without Denis Leamy after the flanker was cited for an incident during the victory against Italy.

O’Driscoll was tipped to be cited after Italian coach Pierre Berbizier accused him of stamping in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship opener in Dublin, but match commissioner Rob Flockhart did not include such an event in his report.

Italy, who were beaten 26-16, were angered by the alleged stamp by O’Driscoll on hooker Fabio Ongaro, but the Ireland skipper insisted he was only clearing out a ruck.

Leamy, however, was reported by Flockhart for an alleged stamping incident, and the 24-year-old will have a hearing on Wednesday in London to determine whether he will face punishment.

Flockhart will take additional time to decide whether there is a case against an Italian player for an alleged biting incident on Simon Easterby. The identity of the Italian player has not been made public.