Rowntree cleared as Tuitopou hit for six

Lions prop Graham Rowntree was today cleared of foul play after a disciplinary hearing in Auckland.

Leicester and England forward Rowntree was cited by an independent match commissioner for punching an opponent during the Lions’ 17-13 victory over Auckland yesterday.

But Rowntree was cleared, and is now free to continue playing, putting him in the frame for third Test selection against New Zealand on Saturday.

Lions boss Sir Clive Woodward will announce his Test team tomorrow, with Rowntree strongly tipped to clinch a starting place.

Earlier, Auckland centre Sam Tuitupou had received a six-week ban after being cited for stamping during yesterday’s game against the Lions at Eden Park.

Tuitupou, capped seven tims by the All Blacks, was cited by independent match commissioner Dennis Wheelahan.

And the 23-year-old appeared at a disciplinary hearing in Auckland today, when he pleaded guilty to stamping on Lions centre Gordon D’Arcy.

The punishment was handed down by judicial officer Terry Willis, and means that Tuitupou is now sidelined from rugby until August 19.