Rugby Football Union - Churchill Cup trio cleared of disrepute charge

Churchill Cup trio cleared of disrepute charge

by Simon Mills


	Martyn Wood photo by Getty

Martyn Wood, Steve Diamond and John Pennycuick have been cleared of bringing the game into disrepute by an RFU disciplinary hearing at Twickenham.

Bath scrum-half Wood, Saracens coach Diamond and kit technician Pennycuick were all found not guilty of leaving the technical area during the Churchill Cup final between England and New Zealand Maori on June 19.

Wood was also found not guilty of verbally abusing a touch judge, during the final stages of the game in Edmonton which was won 26-19 by New Zealand Maori after extra-time.

But Pennycuick was judged guilty of abusing the fifth official and was reprimanded by the panel made up of RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett (chair), Michael White and Peter Budge.

Blackett said: “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.

“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.”