NEWPORT Gwent Dragons full-back Carl Meyer is free to play in Thursday's Guinness Pro12 clash against Connacht at Rodney Parade after being cleared of a dangerous challenge.

The 24-year-old, who is a doubt for the game with a leg niggle, was cited after an incident in the closing stages of last Friday's heart-breaking 17-15 defeat against Ulster in Belfast.

Ireland centre Stuart Olding chased a high ball, gathered but then caught his head on Meyer, who had aborted his effort to claim the up and under. World Cup final referee Nigel Owens was content that there was no problem with the South African's challenge.

"He's doing nothing wrong, he comes for the ball, he stops, he's doing nothing wrong," said the official to Ulster captain Rob Herring after the incident was shown on the big screen.

After further representations by the home hooker, Owens said: "I've just told you what has happened. That is the end of the conversation."

Olding then sat up and was told by the referee: "We've had a look at it. There's nothing reckless, it's a pure accident."

The blow ended the centre's participation in the game and an independent citing commissioner felt that the incident needed to be dealt with by a disciplinary hearing as the laws state: "A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without trying to grasp that player".

The Dragons were surprised at such a move but, to their relief, the committee at a hearing at Heathrow backed up Owens' handling of the incident following a video review and Meyer is free to play.

The South African has been a huge hit for the Dragons in his first season as a professional and has missed just one game, when a tight hamstring forced him to pull out of the European Challenge Cup clash at Sale at the last minute.

The 24-year-old, who was on the books of the Sharks as a youngster, has made 18 appearances and scored his third try of the season at Ravenhill while he also set up Adam Hughes' score with a neat grubber kick.

The Dragons are still waiting to hear if Hallam Amos will be released from Six Nations duty by Wales, who start preparations for their Scotland Test today (Wed).

The winger has started the last four games and was not named in the matchday squad for the draw with Ireland in Dublin.