Grewcock lands two months ban but protests innocence

LIONS LOCK Danny Grewcock has protested his innocence after he was found guilty of biting an opponent and banned for two months.

The 32-year-old Bath forward is to fly home from New Zealand following yet another run-in with rugby disciplinary chiefs.

Although Grewcock’s latest suspension will run until August 26, he effectively misses a maximum of four games, including the second and third Tests against the All Blacks.

He was cited by match commissioner Willem Venter for allegedly biting New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu’s finger during the Lions’ 21-3 first Test defeat in Christchurch.

The punishment, which was handed down by judicial officer Terry Willis after a marathon eight-hour hearing, follows previous bans Grewcock collected in New Zealand seven years ago and last summer.

Wales lock Brent Cockbain is the favourite to replace Grewcock in Clive Woodward’s squad, with a decision expected shortly.

“I am obviously very disappointed at the outcome of the hearing,” said Grewcock, who was accompanied by Lions tour manager Bill Beaumont and Lions legal counsel Richard Smith.

“I do not agree with the decision, because as I argued to the hearing, I did not bite the player at all.

“But I have to accept the decision, and that means for me the tour is over. I have decided, therefore, that I will return home as soon as I can.

“That is the best course of action for me, and for the tour. I now hope that the rest of the Lions squad go on to win the next two Tests.”