Nonu let off dangerous tackle charge

Ma'a Nonu

All Blacks rugby centre Ma'a Nonu has escaped a dangerous tackle charge without further punishment.

International Rugby Board (IRB) judicial officer, Judge Wyn Williams QC, of Wales, today ruled that referee Jonathan Kaplan's decision to penalise Nonu at the time for his tackle on Ireland's Gordon D'Arcy during last Sunday's test in Dublin was sufficient punishment.

Nonu sat through a 90-minute hearing yesterday at London's Heathrow Airport, and Williams deferred his decision until 24 hours later.

Nonu was left out of the All Blacks squad for the test against England at Twickenham on Sunday but will be available for selection for the final tour match against Scotland a week later.

- NZPA