Frans Malherbe will not be cited for an alleged act of biting, with World Rugby releasing a statement clearing the Springbok prop of any wrongdoing.

According to the statement released on Thursday, independent citing commissioner Peter Larter was satisfied that 'no biting incident' took place during the Springboks' match against the USA. The Springboks had earlier also refuted the allegation based on a picture published in the English tabloid Daily Mail.

Larter's decision was based on a detailed review of all video footage and in the absence of a team referral from the USA, who proactively dismissed the claim.

'This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional images,' the World Rugby statement concluded.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images