Deficiencies in the citing application, in the view of the independent Disciplinary Committee, rendered the application invalid.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was appointed by Professor Lorne Crerar, the Discipline Panel Chairman for ERC matches, and comprised of Douglas Hunter (Chairman, SRU), Robert Horner (RFU) and Phil Orr (IRFU).

Both parties were advised of the right to appeal.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

a) A citing complaint must be made, in writing, and received by the independent Citing Officer within 50 hours of the start of the match

b) There is a panel of independent Citing Officers who could be used during the season. The Citing Officers are suitably trained and experienced in rugby disciplinary matters. The decision of the Citing Officer is final

c) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of Discipline, Professor Lorne Crerar

d) The independent Disciplinary Committee normally consists of a legal expert (Chairman), an eminent rugby administrator and former player

e) No member of the independent Disciplinary Committee may be chosen from a country whose club is a party to the complaint

f) The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against any cited player and not the opposing club as in previous seasons