Dallaglio may miss World Cup

Lawrence Dallaglio is in danger of missing the World Cup because the Rugby Football Union inquiry into allegations of drug-taking and drug-dealing made against him by newspapers is unlikely to be completed in time.

The tribunal will be hard-pressed to report to Twickenham in time for a disciplinary panel to be convened before the cut-off date of September 1st for World Cup selection.

The schedule of the three-man panel means another month at least will be necessary for them to carry out their investigation.

However, even after their conclusions have been forwarded to the RFU, Dallaglio may still have to face an RFU disciplinary panel to answer a range of charges that relate to breaking the regulations.

Clive Woodward, the England coach, wanted his former captain back in the squad by July 19th, but that date is certain to pass before the inquiry is completed. It would take several weeks for a disciplinary panel to be set up and there could be an appeal by Dallaglio's lawyers against any verdict, raising the prospect of the affair dragging into September.

Brian Baister, chairman of the RFU management board, said it "would be remiss of the Union to appoint an independent tribunal and then anticipate its findings" by restoring Dallaglio to the England squad prematurely.

"We are in the hands of the tribunal; there is no possibility of the RFU sanctioning Dallaglio's return while the inquiry is proceeding."

The inquiry team's workload has been "added to by the additional disclosures in the Mail on Sunday," Baister admitted, referring to fresh allegations of drug-taking against Dallaglio. "We are looking at August now," he explained.

Meanwhile, former Australia winger David Campese has again been making his views known, this time with regards to tomorrow's Test between Australia and England in Sydney. Campese has suggested that new English inside-centre Mike Catt could be "a weak link".

"I'm sure the Wallabies will take the ball up and run at him," he said.