Grewcock banned two months for biting

British and Irish Lions lock Danny Grewcock was banned for two months yesterday, immediately ending his tour of New Zealand, after being found guilty of biting All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) suspended the Englishman from playing until August 26 after he bit Mealamu's finger in Saturday's opening test, won 21-3 by New Zealand.

The IRB's judiciary officer, Australian barrister Terry Willis, reached his decision after a hearing that lasted all day and included video and audio evidence as well as accounts from players, team managers, match officials and a doctor.

"The Judicial Officer accepted that Mealamu's fingers inadvertently entered Grewcock's mouth at the breakdown but rather than removing the fingers in a more conventional way, Grewcock bit Mealamu's right ring finger, and accordingly he found that the player was guilty of biting," an IRB statement read.

Grewcock was only selected on the bench for Saturday's match but joined the game in the 57th minute as a replacement for his fellow Englishman Ben Kay. The incident with Mealamu happened in the 63rd minute. Grewcock was later charged by the independent citing commissioner, South African Willem Venter, after he reviewed the match.

The ban was the latest in a series of ugly on-field incidents that have marred Grewcock's career.

He was suspended for six weeks last year for stamping on the head of All Blacks centre Daniel Carter when England were touring New Zealand.

He also missed England's one-off test against the All Blacks the previous year after being banned for punching his England team-mate Lawrence Dallaglio in a club match.

Thomas named captain

Meanwhile, Welsh winger Gareth Thomas has been appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions after injury ended Irishman Brian O'Driscoll's tour of New Zealand.

"After last night's match, we are going to need big characters out there who can dig deep and show real fight and courage. Gareth is such a character," coach Clive Woodward said in a statement.