England fined £10,000 for ‘16th man’

THE England squad have confirmed they will bear the £10,000 fine imposed upon them for fielding an extra player during Sunday’s World Cup win over Samoa.

Team manager Clive Woodward headed a six-man delegation which flew into Sydney to explain how Dan Luger became an infamous ‘16th man’ during the final minute of the Telstra Dome encounter.

After a four-hour hearing at which the England camp admitted ignoring the instructions of fifth official Brett Bowden by ordering Luger onto the field as Iain Balshaw received treatment, RWC judicial officer Brian McLaughlin confirmed the fine. Fitness coach Dave Reddin was handed a two-match touchline ban, but cleared of inciting an altercation with fourth official Steve Walsh.