Ospreys lock Fender free to face Newcastle

Ospreys lock James Fender is free to face Newcastle in the Challenge Cup on Saturday after being given a one-game ban for his red card in the United Rugby Championship (URC) draw against Cardiff.

Fender, 23, was shown a 38th-minute red card by referee Ben Breakspear at the Arms Park on New Year's Day for an illegal 'croc roll' on Cardiff flanker Dan Thomas at a ruck clearout.

The law states says a "player may remove the jackler from the tackle area by pushing or driving them backwards (including by grabbing the knee/leg), but must not, roll, pull or twist an opponent".

Fender was given a one-week ban after accepting he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card.

The initial suspension was two weeks but Fender received one week mitigation due to his "apology, good record and full participation throughout the disciplinary process".

Fender missed the semi-professional Super Rygbi Cymru game between Cardiff and Swansea on 4 January which was three days after his red card.

Fender is eligible to play for Swansea so it means the lock will not be absent for any Ospreys matches and can return for the resumption of the European campaign this weekend.