Bath Bok cleared on gouging charge
Louw was cited for 'acts contrary to good sportsmanship' – following the Premiership match between Bath and Northampton Saints – for allegedly making contact with the eye(s) or the eye area of England international Courtney Lawes.
The hearing took place in Bristol on Thursday.
The panel noted that the citing was justified, but with the benefit of being able to view the footage in conjunction with hearing live evidence from both players, the panel were not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Louw had made contact with the eye area of Lawes.
The case was dismissed and he is free to play with immediate effect.
The panel comprised: Euan Ambrose (chairman), John Doubleday and Ian Bremner.
The South Africa international star, Louw, recently agreed to a long-term contract extension with Bath.
Louw's deal will see him remain at the Recreation Ground until at least 2019.
The 30-year-old flank has won 43 caps for the Springboks and he was arguably their most consistent player during the 2015 World Cup, when South Africa reached the semifinals.
Louw joined Bath in 2011, and he has so far made almost 80 first-team appearances.
