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Rugby Union

Ban makes Grewcock World Cup doubt

11/06/2007

Danny Grewcock's punch on Clermont Auvergne hooker Thibault Privat in last week's European Challenge Cup final looks like it may cost him his place in the England squad for this autumn's World Cup.

The Bath lock has received a six-week suspension for the attack beginning August 4th, meaning he will not be available for England's first two matches in the pool stage of the tournament.

National side coach Brian Ashton announces his 40-man training squad on Friday. He may decided Grewcock should be omitted as he will not have played rugby for four months by the time his ban comes to an end.

Grewcock will miss England's warm-up matches against Wales on August 4th and against France on August 11th and 18th, as well as pool matches against USA and South Africa in the tournament itself.

He has 72 hours to consider appealing against independent disciplinary board decision, but his chances to defend England's World Cup may already have suffered a fatal blow.

The 34-year-old has only a mixed past when it comes to disciplinary matters. Most notably he bit All Black Keven Mealamu, resulting in a two-month ban, in 2005.

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