England Coaches Banned After Ball Switch Controversy
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September 29, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Dave Alred and Paul Stridgeon are banned from the Scotland game after illegally switching balls in England’s win over Romania.
Alred, the England kicking coach, and Stridgeon, the fitness coach, have been banned from England’s game against Scotland after they illegally switched the ball used by Jonny Wilkinson in the Romania match.
The pair are banned following their actions in England’s 67-3 victory over Romania, where they switched the ball used by Wilkinson to convert the tries. This was a direct breach of law 9.8.1 which states that he kicker must convert tries with the same ball that was touched down, unless it is defective.
This matter was dealt with internally by the Rugby Football Union and the two coaches are now banned from entering Eden Park, the venue for the match between England and Scotland.
The RFU decided that Alred and Stridgeons’ actions were against “both the laws of the game and the spirit of the game”.
Speaking about the incident, Martin Johnson said: “It’s unfortunate that we have had to take this action but ultimately there was a breach of the laws of the game … it’s happened, some action has been taken and we have to move on.”
The RWCL have decided against any further action but have warned England’s management about their future conduct.
England will now take on Scotland on Saturday, where they will be looking for the fourth victory of the group stages. Scotland will need a bonus point victory if they have any hope of reaching the quarter finals.
By Jonathan Davies
[Image courtesy of ornella06130]
