RFU formally probe Barbiegate saga
Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:45
The English Rugby Football Union (RFU) have formally announced that it will probe allegations of player misconduct - the so-called Barbiegate sage - during England's disastrous two-Test tour to New Zealand.
The investigation will be conducted by the RFU's disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett, who intends to reveal his findings as soon as possible.
Blackett's probe will run separately from the police investigations taking place in New Zealand involving allegations of serious sexual assault against four unnamed England players.
The announcement of the formal enquiry was made after the RFU Management Board's regular monthly meeting, during which the RFU Elite Rugby Director, Rob Andrew, gave a detailed report on the tour down under.
"The Board were concerned at the damage to the game's reputation as a result of the allegations made regarding the behaviour of four of the 32-strong touring party after the first test match in Auckland," a RFU statement read.
England were beaten 37-20 in the opening Test by the All Blacks yet a section of the squad later embarked on a drinking session at a nightclub, which concluded with girls returning to the team hotel.
One of the woman, a 22-year-old nightclub worker who called herself 'Angel Barbie', sold her story of a night of passion with one of the players to a British tabloid newspaper.
However, in another incident allegations of rape was levelled against four players, although no formal complaint was laid by the teenage girl.
"The Board noted that no formal complaint had yet been made to the Auckland police, that the players deny the allegations and that they have the full support of the England squad and team management in this respect," the RFU statement said.
The full RFU statement:
"The RFU Management Board at its regular monthly meeting today [Wednesday] received a full report from the RFU Elite Rugby Director, Rob Andrew MBE on the recently completed tour of New Zealand by the England squad.
"The Board were concerned at the damage to the game's reputation as a result of the allegations made regarding the behaviour of four of the 32 strong touring party after the first test match in Auckland. The Board noted that no formal complaint had yet been made to the Auckland police, that the players deny the allegations and that they have the full support of the England squad and team management in this respect.
"The Board agreed that England players have always been great ambassadors for the game and their country. Wearing the white shirt is a great honour that brings with it great rewards but also carries great responsibilities. In the age of celebrity, England players must always be aware of their position and the dangers that may exist for them at all times.
"On the recent tour of New Zealand the England squad made visits to the Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland and the Burwood Spinal Injuries Unit in Christchurch as part of their tour duties. Both visits were in the best traditions of England touring teams and were well received locally in New Zealand. The Board regrets that the recent allegations overshadowed the positive image of the game that these goodwill visits generate.
"The Management Board, having considered all aspects of the tour report, have taken the following decisions:
1. To refer the allegations of tour misconduct to the RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, who will carry out a full investigation into the allegations. This will run separately from the police investigations taking place in New Zealand and will not prejudice those enquiries;
2. The Board has set no set date for the conclusion of the Disciplinary Officer's investigation but Judge Blackett has stated that he intends his investigation to be completed as quickly as possible in the interests of the game and all
concerned;
3. To direct the RFU Chief Executive, Francis Baron OBE, in consultation with Rob Andrew and Martin Johnson CBE, to review and revise the EPS Players Code of Conduct to take into account lessons learnt from the New Zealand tour incidents. The revised Code of Conduct is to be incorporated into the new EPS Player Agreement to be signed by all EPS players effective 1 July 2008;
4. To direct Martin Johnson to review and revise the England 'Teamship Rules' when he takes up his post on 1 July 2008. The revised 'Teamship Rules' are to be incorporated into the new EPS Player Agreement as mentioned above."
