ERC Press Release:Furet Citing Hearing Date Set

Following an appeal made by the ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, against the decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, 18 January, to dismiss the citing complaint made against the Pau back row forward Patrick Furet, an independent Appeals Committee has referred the citing back to the original Disciplinary Committee for a full hearing.

The hearing will take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 16 February.

Furet was cited for an alleged stamp by ASM Clermont Auvergne following the European Challenge Cup quarter-final First Leg match against Pau at Stade du Hameau on Saturday, 8 January, 2005.

The citing complaint was originally dismissed by the independent Disciplinary Committee because of deficiencies on the application form.

The independent Disciplinary Committee who will hear the case will be chaired by Brian McLoughlin (IRFU), who will be assisted by Robert Horner (RFU) and Philip Orr (IRFU). Mr. McLoughlin will replace Mr. Douglas Hunter, who chaired the original hearing and is now unavailable.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

a) A citing complaint must be made, in writing, and received by the independent Citing Officer within 50 hours of the start of the match

b) There is a panel of independent Citing Officers who could be used during the season. The Citing Officers are suitably trained and experienced in rugby disciplinary matters. The decision of the Citing Officer is final

c) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of Discipline, Professor Lorne Crerar

d) The independent Disciplinary Committee normally consists of a legal expert (Chairman), an eminent rugby administrator and former player

e) No member of the independent Disciplinary Committee may be chosen from a country whose club is a party to the complaint

f) The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against any cited player and not the opposing club as in previous seasons