- Stormers lock Adre Smith is set to have his eight-game ban lifted.
- Smith was banned until 13 February for apparently biting a Munster player.
- Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says the announcement is not yet official but the player informed him that the ban was lifted.
The Stormers' United Rugby Championship campaign is set to receive a boost with the suspension of lock Adre Smith expected to be lifted.
Smith was banned for eight games in October over a biting incident that occurred in their 34-18 loss to Munster in Limerick.
Although no evidence of any wrongdoing could be proven after recourse to the TMO and video replays, Smith was subsequently cited and banned as he "couldn't on the balance of probabilities prove that foul play had not occurred".
There appeared to be no substantial evidence that Smith had bitten Munster hooker Niall Scannell, but because Smith couldn't prove that he didn't bite his opponent, he was banned.
The Stormers subsequently appealed the ban and it has come to light that they will win the appeal.
Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani told reporters on Thursday that they couldn't officially confirm whether Smith would be cleared but the likelihood was that the ban would be lifted.
When probed on whether Smith would be available for Saturday's clash against Zebre at Cape Town Stadium, Hlungwani commented: "There's a lot of truth in that but what's important from our side is to stick to the protocol and let the URC announce that first.
"Until they announce that I don't think he'll be available for selection. At this stage I can say, yes, he did tell me that his suspension has been lifted but we have to wait for the URC to give a formal statement and confirm that."
At this stage it's unclear if Smith will be available for this weekend's clash against the Italians, but had the second rower's appeal failed, he would have been out of action until 13 February next year.
Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium is scheduled for 15:00, with the Stormers to name their team on Friday.