Quinnell's club Richmond will mount a vigorous defence on his behalf, the hearing coming just six hours before Henry announces the 22-man squad for next week's Wembley Test against world champions South Africa.

Quinnell and his brother Craig are certainties, although the RFU could clearly destroy Scott's chances of making the side.

The British Lions back-row forward was sent off by Yorkshire referee Brian Campsall for a late tackle on England captain Lawrence Dallaglio when Richmond beat Wasps two weeks ago.

Richmond hotly disputed Campsall's decision and rugby director John Kingston believes that Quinnell should be cleared.

"Hopefully pictures cannot hide the fact," Kingston said following Sunday's 38-32 Premiership One victory over Bedford, which Quinnell missed because of neck trouble.

Bateman out

While Quinnell's immediate rugby future rests with Twickenham, Henry has definitely lost Lions centre Allan Bateman.

Allan Bateman: Shoulder operation rules him out of squad

Bateman underwent shoulder surgery on Saturday and faces a minimum four-week lay-off.

"Allan has had a recurring shoulder problem," Kingston said.

"We decided to see if we could get him through a couple of games and although he played well at Sale last week, Allan felt the shoulder wasn't right."

Bateman's absence could open the door for former New Zealand All Black Shane Howarth as outside centre in tandem with Welsh powerhouse Scott Gibbs, although Swansea's Mark Taylor will make a strong claim.

Craig Quinnell appears a definite starter, given another towering display which featured two second-half tries as Richmond recorded their sixth league win this season.

"It would be huge thing for me if I could regain my place in the Welsh team," said Quinnell.

"I need something to play for and I have aspirations to get back in the national side, then keep my place."