Scarlets pair Matthew Rees and Rhodri Jones cleared at disciplinary

Matthew Rees has played seven games since returning from neck surgery

Scarlets skipper Matthew Rees and Rhodri Jones have been cleared of an alleged dangerous tackle on Ryan Jones in their Boxing Day win over Ospreys.

The Scarlets front-rowers had been cited but the claim was dismissed by an independent Pro12 disciplinary committee in Dublin on Wednesday.

The committee considered video evidence and statements from Jones, referee Nigel Owens and his two assistants.

Both Rees, the British and Irish Lions hooker, and Jones also gave evidence.

The Scarlets team-mates were charged with lifting Wales forward Jones from the ground during a tackle in contravention of Law 10.4(j) in the 16th minute of their 22-14 Welsh derby triumph at Parc y Scarlets on Boxing Day.

But the committee, chaired by David Martin, found that Jones had "in fact been brought to ground safely as mandated by Law 10.4 (j) and emphasised by the International Rugby Board in its June 2009 directive."