Leinster's Brian Blaney cleared of threatening referee

Leinster's Brian Blaney has been cleared of threatening the referee during the province's recent Magners League clash against Munster at Lansdowne Road.

An IRFU disciplinary committee has decided to dismiss the case against the hooker after viewing the incident on video and calling six witnesses.

Referee Simon McDowell is understood to have cited Blaney for pulling his shirt and querying a decision "in a physically threatening manner".

Leinster have retained the player in their squad for Saturday's Heineken Cup opener against Gloucester at Lansdowne Road.

Shane Horgan and Girvan Dempsey return from injury for the match, while Ronan McCormack is also back from suspension.