Published Wednesday, 08 February 2012
Ireland's Stephen Ferris after receiving a yellow card in the 6 nations match. (© Getty)
He appeared in front of the Six Nations championship disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday, who determined that his tackle on Welsh lock Ian Evans did not warrant reprimanding.
The tip-tackle occurred in the final minute of Sunday's 23-21 defeat by Wales at Lansdowne Road.
The low-end entry level sanction for the offence is three weeks, though this can be reduced on such grounds as contrition or a clean disciplinary record.
Ireland felt aggrieved by the decision to cite Ferris, who at the time was shown a yellow card and conceded the match-deciding penalty.
Before the hearing, Ireland manager Michael Kearney was hopeful that Ferris would escape a ban, and said the 26-year-old had "an exemplary disciplinary record".
The decision not to uphold the citing against Ferris means he is will be available for Sunday's clash against France at Stade du France.
Wales player Bradley Davies appeared in front of the same committee on Wednesday, where he was banned for the rest of the Six Nations over a dangerous tackle on Ireland's Donncha Ryan at the same match.
The Cardiff Blues forward has a right of appeal, but - as it stands - can't play again until nine days after the tournament ends.
The three-man disciplinary panel decided that Davies' offence merited a top-end entry point of a 10-week ban, with an additional two weeks to reflect the need for a deterrent.
But mitigating factors - his guilty plea, previously good disciplinary record and his conduct at the hearing - saw a maximum reduction to the punishment of five weeks handed out.
Ireland have reported no injury concerns from their incident-packed Six Nations opener.
Keith Earls has rejoined the camp after his newly-born first child, who was taken ill last week, returned home and should be installed at outside centre against France.
"Keith is back with us and everything is well with his girl, which is great news," said Kearney.