ERC PRESS RELEASE: FOX DISCIPLINARY HEARING DATE SET

An independent Disciplinary Committee has been appointed by Professor Lorne Crerar, the Discipline Panel Chairman for ERC matches, to hear a citing complaint lodged by Glasgow Rugby against Northampton Saints flanker Darren Fox following the Heineken Cup Pool 3 match at Hughenden on Sunday 24 October, 2004.

The Disciplinary Committee will comprise Terry Vaux (WRU, Chairman), John West (IRFU) and Caleb Powell (IRFU). The hearing will be held in Dublin on Monday, 1 November, 2004.

The citing complaint against Darren Fox alleges that he struck an opponent with his head. The Citing Officer, Jon Davis, recommended that the citing complaint be referred to an independent Disciplinary Committee.

Roger O'Connor, the ERC Disciplinary Officer, will present the complaint to the independent Disciplinary Committee. The player is requested to attend the hearing.

NOTES

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 three-man panel 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, will present the case against the cited player and not the opposing club as in previous seasons

g) The cited player is entitled to legal representation