England trio in the clear

England 'A' scrum-half Martyn Wood, coach Steve Diamond and team kit technician John Pennycuick have all been cleared by an RFU disciplinary committee on charges of 'bringing the game into disrepute' during the team's participation in the Churchill Cup in Canada.

The trio were all found to be not guilty of leaving the technical area during the England 'A' match against the New Zealand Maori in the Final of the competition.

Wood was also cleared of charges of verbally abusing a touch judge during the game that the Maori won 26-19.

Pennycuick, however, was found guilty of abusing the fifth official, but he got away with a reprimand seemingly because of "emotions running high" during the match and that Pennycuick did not show any malice in his remarks.

"The evidence showed that this was a very tense match with emotions running high, particularly towards the end of the game and going into extra-time," said RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett. 

"All of the England bench were clearly agitated and vociferous and the failing was with the team management for not controlling the bench and in John Pennycuick in allowing himself to get angry.

"We found that he did swear, although there was no malice, and he has been severely reprimanded and warned as to his future conduct.

"However, the incident was blown out of proportion and no complaint was lodged after the match by the officials."

This is not the first time an England team have failed to control their bench.

During the 2003 Rugby World Cup, fitness coach Dave Reddin became involved in a verbal dispute with touch judge Steve Walsh during England's match against Samoa.

England coach Clive Woodward was later forced to apologise after Reddin disturbed France fly-half Frédéric Michalak as he lined up a kick at goal.