Healey's agent calls panel into question

Austin Healey's agent has questioned the authority of the Lions disciplinary panel after they summoned the England international to appear before them following his controversial comments in a newspaper column.

Healey has been ordered to appear before the panel ­ comprising the tour manager, Donal Lenihan, the coach, Graham Henry, and the captain, Martin Johnson ­ on his return from holiday after calling the Wallabies' lock Justin Harrison a "plank" and a "plod" before the third Test defeat by Australia in Sydney last weekend.

Jonathan Barnet, Healey's agent, said Healey was willing to attend the hearing but outlined his concerns about the make-up of the panel and questioned its right of jurisdiction now that the tour was over.

"First of all, I understand the proposed panel will comprise the Lions' tour manager Donal Lenihan, the coach Graham Henry and skipper Martin Johnson. If this is the case, I would immediately call into question the objectivity and impartiality of such a panel and would raise serious concern about Austin receiving a fair and unbiased hearing.

"Secondly, I would also like to question the Lions' right of jurisdiction now that the tour is over. Austin expressed his opinions about Justin Harrison ahead of the third and final Test against Australia. If he was in breach of any code of conduct, then surely the time to reprimand him would have been either on the spot, or immediately after the game.

"Now that the tour is completed, I can't help but wonder whether the Lions actually have the power to sit in judgement at this late stage."