Stephen Ferris escapes ban

Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has escaped a suspension for a challenge that he committed on Wales lock Ian Evans at the weekend.

The 26-year-old faced a hearing this afternoon, having being cited for the challenge on Evans, which occurred in the final minute of Ireland's 23-21 defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

After reviewing the incident, the three-man independent Six Nations disciplinary committee found Ferris not guilty of a tip tackle.

"Thank goodness that is all over. Happy man," Ferris wrote on Twitter.

Wales forward Bradley Davies has been handed a seven-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the same game.