Churchill Cup hearing for English duo

Several members of the England tour squad that finished as runner's up at the Churchill Cup in Alberta, are facing a RFU disciplinary panel for their conduct during the final held in Edmonton three weeks ago.

Bath scrum-half Martyn Wood has been cited for verbally abusing a touch judge and refusing to stay in the technical area. He is not alone as England kit technician John Pennycuick is charged with abusing the fifth official and not staying in the technical area.

In a separate charge, Steve Diamond (Saracens), England's Assistant Coach at the Churchill Cup has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and the game, contrary to Rule 5.12 of the RFU for not staying in the technical area.

While it is not revealed at what point the transgressions happened, a critical kick by England's Dave Walder that might have broken a 19-19 tie with the Maori, was waved off, causing a number of the England side to scream at the touch judge involved.

The Disciplinary Panel will be comprised of; Chairman Jeff Blackett, Peter Budge and Michael White.

The hearing was called for by tournament director Terry Burwell who felt the trio needed to be dealt with following their conduct in the two year old tournament that featured the men's and women's teams of Canada, the USA, England and New Zealand.

By Doug Crosse

News powered by Canadian Rugby News