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Rugby Union

England players in alleged sex scandal could be named

22/06/2008

The four England players at the centre of an alleged sex scandal could be named by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to protect the other squad members.

Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault in a private room at the Hilton Hotel, Auckland, on Sunday June 15th.

The four players were advised by the RFU's lawyer, Richard Smith QC, to refuse being interviewed by police because no official complaint has been made.

An article in today's News of the World alleges one of the players involved was wing David Strettle.

The RFU is considering launching an internal inquiry to be conducted by disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett, the Judge Advocate General.

Blackett said the RFU is worried all the players in the squad could be affected by the allegations.

"The team can't come back (from New Zealand) and nothing happens," Mr Blackett told the Sunday Telegraph.

"Something's got to happen and something has to be made public.

"The consideration that there are a number of entirely uninvolved players - and that unless others are named those innocent players may be tainted by association - is a consideration we have to think about."

The England squad return home today from their disastrous tour which ended with yesterday's 44-12 thumping by the All Blacks in Christchurch.