News

RFU to assess off-field etiquette

June 22 2008

England boss Rob Andrew has confirmed a new code of conduct will be implemented for players after the team left New Zealand following their disastrous tour.

The team suffered two comprehensive defeats by the All Blacks but the tour was overshadowed by allegations against four players of serious sexual assault.

While the squad's code of conduct for the tour did not prevent players bringing women back to the team hotel, a new set of standards has been agreed and will come into force from July 1, when the players sign their new elite rugby contracts.

Andrew, Director of Elite Rugby at the RFU, admitted that off-field etiquette needed to be tighten up.

"We've said we are looking at all those areas because we have a new contract with the players that comes into force on July 1," He told the BBC.

"We've never had a contract with the players before as the RFU and under the new agreement with the clubs, part of that is a new contract between the RFU and the players.

"There are lots of issues we are negotiating with the players' union at this point of time."

New coach Martin Johnson and the RFU will soon announce both an Elite Player Squad (EPS) and a junior squad and Andrew confirmed the code of conduct will be in place for the next tour.

"Absolutely and they will be in place by July 1 because the players who are announced in the EPS squad have to sign a contract with the RFU," he said.

The former England fly-half admitted that the image of the English game had been tainted by the allegations, although the 'Auckland Four' have all denied any wrongdoing in the "strongest terms".

"It's been a difficult week, a tough week for all concerned," Andrew continued.

"We've had to deal with it in the best way we possibly can given the fact there is an ongoing police inquiry and that makes it difficult for us to comment on any of the issues.

"But in the circumstances the players' commitment yesterday to the shirt was first class.

"We were very disappointed with the final score but they put their bodies on the line. There were a lot of young guys out there."

Former England skipper Will Carling believes a balance needs to be found whereby players can relax away from the game - but within sensible limits.

"These guys train very hard, they are in great shape," he said.

"There has got to be some element of being able to relax and get away from rugby.

"They are young guys and they should be able to enjoy themselves.

"I think we all know sensibly there are lines you don't cross. How you put that into a code of conduct, I've no idea - but that is Rob's job.

"There is a balance to be had in terms of when they are training they should be incredibly focused and then they should be able to relax and get away from it.

"Drinking is not what it used to be - quite rightly, they are a lot fitter, these guys are a lot more professional.

"I don't think this is a drinking issue. They should be allowed to get away from rugby and switch off and have a bit of fun.

"They are adults and I think 'Johnno' will come up with something sensible that they will all understand."

Carling also expressed concern that the story was still headline news, despite the lack of an official complaint.

"It seems to have gone on for a week without any formal complaint and that must be pretty frustrating for all concerned because it's just a rumbling story," he said.

"Is it an allegation or is it not?"