IRB hearing into James Horwill appeal to be held on July 1

The International Rugby Board have announced that their appeal regarding Australia captain James Horwill is due to be carried out on July 1.

The governing body decided to appeal the original ruling that left Horwill unpunished for an alleged deliberate stamp on the head of Alun Wyn Jones during Australia's opening Test defeat to the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane.

Horwill has maintained that the stamp was not deliberate, while the Australian Rugby Union expressed their 'surprise' at the IRB's decision to reopen the case.

Horwill is permitted to compete in this weekend's second Test against the British and Irish Lions, who could wrap up the series with a victory.