Junior Springboks fullback Luan Giliomee has been cleared "free to play" by World Rugby on the eve of the World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 final against France.
Anticipating a suspension, Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote had already named his matchday 23 for Saturday's blockbuster final at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. Alzeadon Felix was slotted into the starting lineup at fullback as part of a settled backline.
However, with Giliomee now officially available, Foote faces a tactical selection headache. The head coach previously confirmed that a final decision regarding the starting jersey would be made if the standout fullback successfully overturned the card.
Giliomee was initially sent off after receiving a yellow card, which was upgraded to a 20-minute red by the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC). The sanction was triggered by an aerial collision with England fullback George Pearson during Monday's chaotic semi-final.
The matter was referred to a three-person independent disciplinary committee chaired by Helen Morgan (New Zealand), alongside former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Christopher Morgan (Wales). Upon reviewing all available footage and player submissions, the panel concluded that the incident lacked malicious intent or foul play.
The independent committee completely rescinded the red card. As a result, Giliomee is free to re-join the undefeated defending champions as they aim to shut down the Six Nations champions, France, in Tbilisi.