Australia skipper James Horwill is in danger of missing the Third Lions Test after the International Rugby Board today announced they would be appealing his not guilty stamping verdict.
The judicial officer hearing the original case on Sunday cleared Horwill of stamping on the face of Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones during the First Test in Brisbane. But the game’s governing body have now decided to examine the decision.
Horwill is free to lead Australia in the Second Test in Melbourne on Saturday but will face a new hearing next week, which could see him banned from a potential series decider. Australian Rugby Union said they were “surprised and disappointed” by the decision.
Their chief executive Bill Pulver added: “This is an unprecedented step taken by the IRB in what is the most important rugby event staged in Australia since the 2003 World Cup.”
The IRB said today in a statement: “We are compelled to further examine potential acts of foul play which either potentially or in reality impact on the preservation of player welfare. It is important for the IRB to ensure that there is full confidence that priority is given to player welfare and the values of the game.”
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