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Rugby Union

Grewcock lodges appeal

15/06/2007

England star Danny Grewcock has launched an appeal against his six-week ban for punching an opponent.

The Bath lock was hit with the suspension after being found guilty of punching Thibault Privat during the defeat by Clermont Auvergne in the European Challenge Cup.

Grewcock will be banned from August 4th to September 15th, an enforced break which would destroy his hopes of helping England defend their World Cup crown.

The 34-year-old will miss England's three warm-up Tests and first two World Cup matches, including the crunch group game with South Africa.

Grewcock would be available for England's third World Cup match against Samoa on September 22nd, which would be his first game in four months.

Coach Brian Ashton left Grewcock out of England's 47-man training squad today with 30 players going to the World Cup in France.

But Ashton claimed he would reconsider Grewcock's position is his appeal is successful.

European Rugby Cup officials said the appeals committee would be arranged "as soon as is practicable".

Grewcock missed most of England's 2003 World Cup triumph after flying home early with a broken hand suffered in the pool victory against Uruguay.

He has a history of bad behaviour and was banned for two months for allegedly biting New Zealand hooker Kevin Mealamu in the 2005 British Lions tour.

Grewcock lost his place on the England tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2003 after being banned for two weeks for punching Lawrence Dallaglio in the Parker Pen Shield final.

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