Attwood stamping charges dismissed

Two stamping charges against England lock Dave Attwood were dismissed on procedural grounds this morning, the Australian Rugby Union have confirmed.

Attwood, 23, appeared before a disciplinary panel in Perth after being cited over two alleged incidents in England's 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians.

The Gloucester forward was alleged to have stamped on scrum-half Josh Valentine in the 34th minute and his opposite number Mitch Chapman in the 50th minute.

But England's team management successfully argued that Australian citing commissioner Scott Nowland could not be considered an "independent authority" and the charges were dropped.

The ARU statement read: "England team management successfully argued the hearing of two alleged stamping incidents involving Attwood could not proceed because the citing commissioner, as an Australian, was not an independent authority."