Player cleared over Neath injury

A Cardiff rugby player will not face any action following a match in which a Neath opponent was badly injured.

Scrum-half Gareth Jones remains seriously ill in hospital after he was caught up in a ruck.

Two Cardiff players, Gary Horrigan and Ryan Howells, were handed two week suspensions following the game.

But a Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary hearing on Friday found a citation against Cardiff centre Darren Ryan was "not proven" and he is free to play.

Ryan had faced a charge of reckless and dangerous play relating to the 20 April game.

Scrum-half Jones, who is from Pontypridd and works as a decorator, remains in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he has undergone surgery for his neck injuries.

Speaking on Wednesday, a spokesperson for his club confirmed the player was still in a very serious condition and said: "He has not made as much progress as we had all hoped and he remains on a ventilator.

"He will be reassessed by his consultant team on a regular basis and further information will be released when available.

"His family would like to thank all friends and supporters, particularly those from Neath and Pontypridd, but also from all parts of the UK, for their support and good wishes, which have helped to support them through this difficult time."