DALLAGLIO ESCAPES MATCH BAN

FORMER England captain Lawrence Dallaglio was fined pounds 15,000 and
ordered to pay costs of pounds 10,000 yesterday after pleading guilty to
bringing the game into disrepute.

The fine by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary committee followed
newspaper allegations he had taken recreational drugs during the British
Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 - and opens the way for Dallaglio to
take part in October's World Cup.

The committee, chaired by High Court judge Sir Oliver Popplewell, stopped
short of banning Dallaglio after taking into account what they described as
a ``self-imposed suspension''. Dallaglio withdrew from the tour of
Australia in May.

A separate charge that the 26-year-old flanker had taken drugs was dropped
by the RFU on Monday because of what it called ``new evidence''.

Dallaglio later issued a brief statement which said: ``Knowing you are
innocent is one thing, proving it has been another. It has been a long and
difficult battle and I am content with the outcome. My only wish now is to
concentrate on England's World Cup preparations.''

England coach Clive Woodward said he was pleased that the matter has now
been concluded.

``We have supported Lawrence throughout what has been a very difficult time
for him and his family,'' said Woodward.