• Six Nations

Wales hopeful over Byrne appeal

Scrum staff
February 1, 2010
Lee Byrne appeared as a 16th man for Ospreys © Getty Images
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Wales are hopeful that Lee Byrne will be cleared to face England in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Ospreys fullback was handed a two-week ban by ERC in the wake of his appearance as a 16th man in their Heineken Cup victory over Leicester on January 23. The club was also fined €25,000.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has delayed naming their side as they await a hearing for Byrne's appeal, with defence coach Shaun Edwards hopeful that they will know the outcome by Tuesday.

If the ban is upheld, James Hook will likely reprise his role as fullback from Wales' disappointing November series.

"I think we will know by tomorrow where we are as regards to whether Lee can play or not," Edwards said. "As regards training, we are training with two teams - one with Lee in it, and other times with him not in it.

"We are sure he will get a fair and proper hearing, and obviously we will go along with whatever adjudication they come out with. I think a lot of people are hopeful Lee will play a part in the game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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