Grimes was cited for trampling on Australian number eight David Lyons in the closing stages of Scotlands 35-15 defeat to the Wallabies last Sunday and subsequently suspended from all rugby until August 14.

Scotlands appeal, believed to be on the severity of the sentence, was today rejected by an International Rugby Board panel.

It is with regret that we have to inform you that the appeal was dismissed by the IRB. We fully respect their decision and we look ahead, said team manager Guy Richardson.


There was no doubt they had difficulty in the whole business of the penalty - ie should it stay or not - but they decided to retain it as it is, a two-week suspension.

The hearing lasted an hour and 50 minutes at the Australian Rugby Union's headquarters and Grimes was accompanied by Richardson, Scotland's assistant coach Todd Blackadder and Alan Sutherland QC.

Grimes emerged disappointed to miss out on playing the Wallabies but determined to do all he could to help the squad in the build-up to Saturday's game.

"The season as far as I am concerned is done now. I am very disappointed to miss the Test match,'' said Grimes.

"You don't know when you go in these things (how it will turn out). Other people decide them and argue your case. It is just really frustrating.

"I am disappointed to miss the Test match, it is important for us and I think we've got a good chance.

"I'll be behind the boys, train with them on Friday and do all I can to lift them for the game.''

Scotland coach Matt Williams, who named his team for Saturday's game earlier, will now have to decide whether Iain Fullarton or Craig Hamilton will partner captain Scott Murray in the second row.

Williams was forced to name his team with doubt still remaining over its final make-up and included both Fullarton and Hamilton as possibles for the number five jersey.

"We are very disappointed but we have plans in place,'' said Richardson.

"We were never in a position of assuming Stuart was going to play on Saturday and we have had a plan in place now to that extent since he was suspended.

"We move on, look ahead and are still very positive about the game in hand.''

Fullarton, the Saracens-bound lock, started his only Test for Scotland four years ago while Hamilton has been on of the big finds of the tour for Williams, who regularly describes his development as ''outstanding''.

"The two players are talented guys but they have talents in different areas. We are just waiting to make a final decision on which one we start,'' he said.

"The guys have been playing in our system, which has been a big benefit for us.''