Newz Forum: OTHER: RUGBY: Three cleared of disrepute charge

(AP News) - England trio Martyn Wood, Steve Diamond and John Pennycucik have been cleared of bringing the game into disrepute by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing at Twickenham today.

Bath scrum-half Wood, Saracens coach Diamond and kit technician Pennycucik 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, Canada which was won 26-19 by New Zealand Maori after extra-time.

But Pennycucik was judged guilty of abusing the fifth official and was reprimanded by the panel made up of RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett, 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 Pennycucik 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."