Rugby begins cleansing process

The task group charged with reestablishing a positive public image for rugby union has begun its investigation into allegations of widespread cheating.

At its first meeting yesterday, the group decided to offer full immunity from disciplinary action in exchange for information on the extent of underhand tactics within Guinness Premiership, National League and other professional clubs.

John Owen, the president of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and chairman of the task group said the initial meeting had been 'very productive' and confirmed the members of the group 'share a collective responsibility to eliminate cheating from the game'.

'We are all committed to drawing a line under the past and restoring the good image of the game,' he explained.

'It was clear from our discussions that to achieve what we need to do in such a short timeframe establishing the game's trust in the group will be crucial.

'To achieve that all dialogue inside the group and with the group must remain entirely confidential.

'It is vital that the game understands that if they talk to us they will be heard and those discussions will not be disclosed.'

As part of the task group's wide-ranging investigation, the Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA) will email all its members with a short questionnaire.

This, the group explained, will give all the players the chance to disclose confidentially any information on 'inappropriate behaviour' within the sport.

There will be a similar questionnaire sent out to all coaches, medics and administrators in order to determine if earlier allegations of 'widespread' misbehaviour are accurate.

In addition, the RFU will open up an online consultation process for the community game to ask them for their views on how the events of the summer have impacted the game at their level and also whether they have experienced any similar inappropriate behaviour.

In a message aimed directly at all employees of rugby union clubs in the top two domestic tiers, the group added: 'Any current or previous employee of a Premiership or Championship club will be offered the opportunity to meet at any time and in any location with two or three members of the task group of their choosing.

'To do this they need to just ring the RFU on (0208) 892 2000 and ask for the CEO's office to arrange the confidential sessions.'

The group say no other announcements will be made until their findings and recommendations are published on September 30th.