The IRFU yesterday confirmed that they were not taking any disciplinary action against DLSP player Kent Ashmore, who was cited by Blackrock College for allegedly stamping on Gary Halpin's head during a game between the clubs on February 10th. Ashmore has expressed his relief and delight, but Halpin is considering taking legal action.

"The Disciplinary Committee found that on the balance of probabilities the citing allegation was not proved," the IRFU said in a statement.

In response, 11-times capped Halpin said: "Initially my reaction is one of unbelievable disappointment to be frank, verging on wounded hurt almost.

"I have been playing the game for 30 years, I have been a lifelong devotee to the game, I've played at schoolboy, youths, under-25s and every level, and I'm disappointed at the end of it all that the IRFU have come up with this finding. I'm reluctant to say any more until I take legal advice."

It is believed that Blackrock produced two club members as eye witnesses in support of their case as well as the eye surgeon Dr Michael Browne, who inserted approximately 30 stitches to secure Halpin's damaged ear.

According to an IRFU spokesperson, however, the video evidence was inconclusive. "The onus was on Blackrock to prove that a stamping had taken place and primarily the evidence produced wasn't strong enough to support that case."

The already sidelined Halpin may have played his last competitive game, given he was in a road traffic accident on Wednesday. He has said this will be his last season as a professional rugby player.

DLSP team manager Conor McCormick said yesterday that Ashmore was "relieved and delighted" with the outcome of the hearing, which had been postponed because Ashmore had suffered a broken leg since the original incident.