WORCESTER forward Drew Hickey has been cleared by the RFU disciplinary panel of a dangerous charge on Gloucester skipper Adam Balding.

Warriors number eight Hickey, a former Australian Under-21 international, was reported by the Guinness Premiership citing officer following the incident during a league game at Sixways nine days ago.

Balding subsequently underwent surgery after his cheekbone was fractured in three places. He will not play again until November.

Hickey, though, who was accompanied by Worcester rugby director John Brain was found not guilty and is free to continue playing.