Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cheating 'not widespread'

Dean Richards
Ex-Quins boss Dean Richards was banned over a fake blood scandal

A Rugby Football Union task group set up in response to recent scandals has found no evidence of widespread cheating in the English game.

Rugby union's image has been hit by several recent incidents, including Harlequins' fake blood injury and drug-related issues at Bath.

The panel found no evidence to support "the speculation that the England team has fabricated blood injuries".

It also recommended looking at trialling rolling substitutions.

"The aspiration of the task group was to eliminate cheating in all its forms across the game," said RFU president and task group chairman John Owen.

"This is vital if we are to rebuild the image of the game.

The support and involvement of the International Rugby Board and our fellow unions are also important if we are to ensure all the issues are addressed on a global basis

RFU president John Owen

"The extent of the information gathered, and the positive response to the surveys, shows how much people care about rugby.

"As a task group we were determined to act decisively for the good of the sport and we believe that the recommendations, born out of findings and opinions from across all levels of the game, will enable us to do that.

"These are well thought-out measures which as a union we will implement within set timelines.

"The support and involvement of the International Rugby Board and our fellow unions are also important if we are to ensure all the issues are addressed on a global basis."

Former England number eight Lawrence Dallaglio was on the panel, which also included RFU elite rugby director and ex-England fly-half Rob Andrew, Bath prop and players' union chairman David Barnes, Worcester owner Cecil Duckworth and chairman of London Irish Andrew Coppel.

More to follow.

ะพ 6:08 AM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)