World Cup duo cleared

Catt and Dallaglio: Have escaped censure

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The RFU has decided against punishing Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt for criticising England coach Brian Ashton's performance at the World Cup.

The veteran duo both opined in their recently published autobiographies that England's revival in France came about primarily in spite of Ashton rather than because of anything the former Bath and Ireland coach had done.

Both players apologised publicly and to Ashton in person, both claiming that their musings, serialised in a number of newspapers, had been taken out of context.

A review of the matter was instigated, but Twickenham bosses have now decided to draw a line under the matter.

An RFU statement read: "Chief executive Francis Baron OBE and elite rugby director Rob Andrew MBE have completed their review of the books recently released by Lawrence Dallaglio MBE and Mike Catt MBE.

Criticism

"The RFU management board has decided in all the circumstances not to refer the matter to the RFU disciplinary officer and no further action in respect of the books or of their newspaper serialisation will be taken. Both players have been informed accordingly.

"The RFU has taken into account the recent public comments made by both players, who accept that the timing of the release of the books was not ideal, and the widespread criticism the players and the book extracts, relating to the RWC 2007, received, especially from the media.

"The board recorded their extreme disappointment that two senior players have chosen to criticise publicly members of the England coaching team and disclosed alleged proceedings within England team meetings."

The RFU will now hold a review of squad rules relating to books and newspaper columns.