Bowen free to play for Wales U20s after red card

Wales Under-20s wing Tom Bowen has avoided a suspension after his red card against Georgia in the opening fixture of the Junior World Championship.

The 20-year-old was dismissed in the closing stages of the 25-24 win over the tournament hosts in Tbilisi for a second yellow card.

Bowen was sin-binned in the first half for a high tackle when scrambling back in defence and then received a second yellow after Wales were guilty of persistent offending in the 79th minute.

The Cardiff wing's case was heard by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) on Sunday and he has been cleared to play against Uruguay on Thursday, 2 June (10:00 BST).

"The committee found that the sending off was sufficient sanction, noting that one of the yellow cards was for a technical offence," read a World Rugby statement.

"The player has accepted the sanction and as a result is free to play with immediate effect."

Livewire wing Bowen had a strong season with Cardiff, scoring eight tries in 15 games and was named as best young player in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

His red card meant that Wales were reduced to 13 men because prop Yestyn Cook was already in the sin bin for conceding a penalty try by dragging down a driving line-out.

Richard Whiffin's side managed to hold firm for a one-point victory and the head coach is set to rotate his team for the fixture against Uruguay.

Victory would set up a shoot-out with champions South Africa, who thrashed the South American minnows 104-7, for Pool A top spot on Tuesday, 7 July (15:00 BST).

The four group winners progress to the semi-finals in the revamped and expanded competition.

That means defeat to the Junior Boks would likely lead to Wales going into the play-offs for places five to eight.