Shaw cleared of foul play

England lock Simon Shaw has been cleared of foul play after he was sent off in yesterday’s second Test defeat against New Zealand.

Wasps forward Shaw attended a 90-minute disciplinary hearing in Auckland today.

But the case was dismissed by a three-man panel, and he is now free to play against Australia in Brisbane next Saturday.

Shaw was dismissed in the 11th minute by Welsh referee Nigel Williams, on the advice of his touch judge, Australian Stuart Dickinson.

Dickinson had spotted Shaw using his knee on opposite number Keith Robinson, and his recommendation to Williams was a red card.

England head coach Clive Woodward, his players and management team were incensed by the decision, which saw Shaw become only the third England player to be sent off in Test match history.

Shaw left today’s hearing – ironically at the All Blacks’ team hotel, central Auckland – without making comment.

He was accompanied at the hearing by Woodward and Richard Smith QC, an English lawyer who has travelled with the squad both on this tour and last year’s World Cup.

With Shaw cleared, the disciplinary panel then began hearing Danny Grewcock’s case after the Bath forward was cited for an alleged stamp on All Blacks centre Daniel Carter.