Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has finally got some good news after Cian Healy was cleared to play against France.

The Ireland and Leinster prop has won his appeal against the structuring of his three-week suspension for a stamp on England's Dan Cole.

The Six Nations Disciplinary panel had initially ordered that Healy would have to serve a three-week ban - but over the space of four weeks so as to take into account the first rest week of the tournament.

Healy's appeal argued that the terms of the suspension weren't permissible under the current regulations.

Today's Appeal Committee hearing in Glasgow agreed with the players argument and ruled that Healy's suspension should end at midnight this Sunday, which means that he will be available for the visit of France to the Aviva Stadium on March 9th.

Ireland's Cian Healy and Chris Henry tackle Chris Robshaw of England ©INPHO