Healey in dock over 'plank' jibe

Austin Healey has been summoned before the Lions' disciplinary committee to explain his comments in a newspaper before the final Test against Australia.

Healey labelled Australian forward Justin Harrison a "plod" and a "plank" before last Saturday's 29-23 defeat.

A statement from the Lions management said today: "The disciplinary committee - Donal Lenihan ( tour manager), Graham Henry (coach), and Martin Johnson ( captain) - wish to give Mr Healey the fullest opportunity to explain his alleged newspaper comments."

Meanwhile Damian Hopley, who ensured the players were not gagged on the tour, insists it was right to remove a critical clause that would have fined individuals £3,000 for breaking the rules.

He negotiated player contracts that were worth £18,500.

Matt Dawson and Healey both upset the apple cart with comments in tour diaries but Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Players' Association, said: "I maintain the good behaviour clause was unreasonable."