The IRB announced this morning that it will appeal the decision to clear James Horwill of stamping during the first test against the Lions on Saturday.
As the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour falls within the scope of the IRB merit-based appointment scheme approved by the IRB Council, under Regulation 17.22.2 the IRB has (since the May 2012 IRB Council decision) the right to appeal any decision arising from matches under the scheme.
Furthermore, given its duty to preserve player welfare at all levels of the Game, the IRB is compelled to further examine potential acts of foul play which either potentially or in reality impact on the preservation of player welfare.
It is important for the IRB to ensure amongst all stakeholders in the Game that there is full confidence that priority is given to player welfare and the values of the Game.
The judiciary hearing had accepted the explanation that Horwill was off balance when he appeared to stamp on Alun Wyn Jones and so there was no foul play involved.
Watch the incident below.
