Rugby: Decision day for Welsh players

LONDON - New Zealand's Brett Sinkinson and Shane Howarth appeared before an International Rugby Board judicial committee yesterday to present their case in the "grannygate" player eligibility scandal.

The committee's two-day hearing will determine whether either player is eligible to play for Wales again.

The three-person panel is determining whether it was a genuine mistake which led to the mix-up, when it emerged the pair's grandparents were not born in Wales as was believed.

The panel is due to make a statement today.

Former All Black Howarth played 19 tests for Wales and ex-Bay of Plenty flanker Sinkinson made 14 test appearances, but neither has turned out for Wales since doubts were raised in March over their right to wear the scarlet jersey.

Scotland's David Hilton and Jonathon Stuart have also appeared before the IRB judicial committee, chaired by South Africa's Jannie Lubbe.

If the IRB finds in favour of the charges against Howarth and Sinkinson it will prove a severe embarrassment to coach Graham Henry and Welsh rugby.

Under IRB rules, a player can only represent a country if he was born there, a parent or grandparent was born there, or he has completed three years residency before selection.

- NZPA