6ft 8in Dooley gained legendary status as a physical force for England

Former England second row Wade Dooley is returning to the game as a citing officer for the Rugby Football Union.

Policeman Dooley, 51, who won 55 caps as Martin Johnson's predecessor in the national team, joins on 1 January.

"It's an extension of what I have been doing for the past 30 years - in effect it's policing rugby," he said.

Dooley, who retired from police work last year, will be joined by fellow former international Mike Rafter and ex-England Students boss Tony Lanaway.

The trio will watch matches, including the Guinness Premiership and the new Championship, for foul play as part of the RFU's respected disciplinary process.

At 6ft 8ins Dooley was a towering presence on the field and hopes to put of his understanding of the physical side to use in the modern era.

"As a player I never minded the rough and tumble of the game but it needs to be a clean contest," he said.

"Now with all the camera angles, players are going to be spotted if they commit any foul play; there is no hiding place."

The latest round of recruitment brings the number of RFU citing officers to 11.

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