The Rugby Football Union has launched an investigation into allegations of player misconduct as the fall-out from England’s dismal World Cup campaign continues.
RFU acting chief executive Martyn Thomas confirmed members of England’s World Cup squad found to have broken the squad’s code of conduct could be fined or suspended from international duty.
His announcement came after the stream of lurid headlines which followed members of England’s squad around New Zealand for their off-field activities before the team’s quarter-final exit to France last weekend.
Thomas confirmed former England and British Lions prop Fran Cotton would head up a review of the RFU’s elite set-up, while the union’s legal department probed allegations of player misconduct.
“It has obviously not been a good World Cup by any standards for us, both on the field and off the field,” said Thomas.
Thomas said “appropriate action” would be taken against any players found to have stepped out of line.
“Under the terms of the elite player squad agreement they can be fined in relation to their match fees, they can be fined or cautioned in relation to breaches of the player code of conduct.”
Thomas also said England manager Martin Johnson, whose contract expires in December, had been given up to two weeks to notify the RFU if he wished to remain in the post.
Meanwhile, former Lions manager Cotton criticised England’s players, in particular Mike Tindall, captain for their pool opener against Argentina.
The centre was the subject of headlines throughout the tournament after being caught on camera with a woman during a night out at a bar.
“He looked absolutely hammered,” said Cotton. “I personally find that unforgivable. He was England captain and there’s a big difference between going out for a few beers and that. It will have affected his performance.
“That sort of thing never had any place in the amateur era and it’s certainly got no place in the professional era. I find it incredible that he did that.
“What sort of example is that to be setting to younger players? He’s a cracking bloke normally, but he got this one absolutely wrong.”
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