The burly midfielder, Ma’a Nonu form the Hurricanes, appeared before a SANZAR judicial hearing in Cape Town on Monday.

Nonu was found “not guilty” of a reckless tackle during his team’s 13-37 loss in their Super 14 match against the Stormers at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town at the weekend.

He was cited under Law 10.4 (e) – tackling a player above the line of the shoulders – for a tackle on Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant in the 71st minute of the game.

SANZAR Judicial Officer Rob Stelzner considered evidence from the player, referee Steve Walsh, video recordings and heard submissions from Nonu’s representative.

Stelzner deemed that Nonu’s tackle did not breach Law 10.4 (e) and adjudged that in an attempt to make the tackle, his arm slid upwards on impact with Grant’s ball-carrying arm.

He ruled that there was no impact above the line of the shoulders.

In the circumstances he ruled that a penalty was sufficient punishment and as a result, the Hurricanes centre will be available for selection for his side’s next Super 14 match – against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday.

The previous week he was not even cited, despite being yellow-carded for a tip-tackle on Cheetahs captain Juan Smith.