RFU charge 13 Barbarians players after two Covid breaches

The Rugby Football Union has announced that 13 Barbarians players have been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game.

Those charged will now be required to appear before an online Independent Disciplinary Panel after breaching RFU rule 5.2. 

Charged players – who the RFU have declined to name at this stage – will face a range of charges.

These include the need for players to answer for ‘individual breaches’ of the protocols, such as leaving the hotel without permission or without informing organisers of their whereabouts, and providing false statements during an investigation. 

Footage emerged on social media over the weekend showing a group from the invitational club engaging in a drinking session at the Running Horse pub in Mayfair.

It was one of two nights out that resulted in last Sunday’s non-cap international against England being cancelled, costing the Rugby Football Union in the region of £1million in lost broadcast and sponsorship revenue.

More to follow.