Fined Dallaglio set to play

Lawrence Dallaglio was yesterday fined £15,000 after admitting to bringing rugby into disrepute and ordered to contribute £10,000 costs - but his World Cup dream is still alive.

The former England captain has been freed to continue his international career against Canada at Twickenham on Saturday.

And just hours after an English Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel delivered its verdict, the Wasps and Lions forward was ready to resume training with his prospective England World Cup colleagues.

But while Dallaglio has been hit with a financial penalty rather than suspension, it represents only a small percentage of his estimated earnings. Modern Test stars are thought to earn up to £400,000 a year, when bonuses and lucrative endorsements are added on to a substantial basic wage.

The bottom line for England coach Clive Woodward is that Dallaglio can play in the World Cup.

He has avoided a ban following a three-month saga sparked by newspaper drug-taking allegations.

"I would like to thank everyone who has stood by me during the last three months," Dallaglio said last night.

"My family, friends, my colleagues, especially Clive Woodward and the England squad, London Wasps, together with thousands of members of the public who have found the time to write to me to offer their support.

"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," he added.

"My only wish now is to concentrate on England's World Cup preparations, which continue this Saturday against Canada."

The verdict was announced to a tense Twickenham "courtroom" by disciplinary panel chairman, Oliver Popplewell, following 100 minutes of deliberation.

Dallaglio, who pleaded guilty to disrepute, had initially also faced a potentially more serious charge of taking recreational drugs during the 1997 Lions tour of South Africa.

But that was dramatically dropped by RFU disciplinary officer, Roy Manock, on Monday night after "new evidence" emerged.

In the hearing's immediate aftermath, Wasps' rugby director, Nigel Melville, announced that the player had been appointed club captain for next season.