Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne could yet feature in Wales’ RBS 6 Nations opener with England after confirming he will appeal the two-week ban imposed following his appearance as an illegal 16th player.
Byrne was ruled out of Wales’ clash with England at Twickenham next Saturday after a European Rugby Cup independent disciplinary committee handed him the suspension in Dublin on Friday.
The 29-year-old was punished after featuring for almost a minute during the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup triumph over Leicester seven days ago, while the Welsh club were hit with a 25,000 euro fine.
Byrne is now set to appeal, causing Wales coach Warren Gatland to delay the announcement of his team for the England clash, which he had been due to make on Sunday evening.
“The player has been taking legal advice and will lodge the necessary documents for the appeal no later than next Monday,” said a Welsh Rugby Union statement.
“The Wales team announcement ahead of the clash with England was also rescheduled today as head coach Warren Gatland awaits the outcome of the appeal.”
