Rugby Union: Cardiff back Griffiths

Cardiff are to defend the reputation of their Wales prop Mike Griffiths and will start by studying a video of the incident that led to his being sent off for allegedly kicking the Aberavon flanker David Edwards during Cardiff's 15-6 victory on Saturday.

Griffiths was suspended for six weeks after being sent off at Pontypridd on October 20, 1990, and could now be banned for up to twice that period.

Two years ago Griffiths sought a personal hearing during which video evidence showed his boot had come into contact with one of his own players and not an opponent. 'The video proved that it was an accident on that occasion and it was an accident this time, too,' Griffiths said . 'I play my rugby hard but I am not a villain.'

Cardiff's new coaching organiser, the Australian Alex Evans, will examine the recording and arrange a personal hearing for the Lions prop in an effort to have the suspension reduced, if not lifted altogether.

'Had it happened when Mike was playing for the Lions he would probably have received no more than a warning, ' Evans said.

(Photograph omitted)