Bath players called before RFU
Four former Bath players Justin Harrison, Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins called before RFU disciplinary panel
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Wednesday, 17, Jun 2009 10:40
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has requested that the four former Bath players who quit the club over drug allegations earlier this month appear before a specially-arranged disciplinary panel.
The RFU has made the request after completing its initial investigations into an incident involving Justin Harrison, Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins.
Allegations have been made that all four were present at the Church - an 'adult-themed' establishment in north London - following the final match of the season against Harlequins in May.
In a statement, the RFU said all four players would be charged with "conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game (rule 5.12) on a number of charges, including taking prohibited substances and wilful refusal to take a drugs test".
"All details of the investigation now form part of the disciplinary process and to protect the integrity of the process will remain confidential," the statement continued.
"The RFU will make a further announcement when the panel has been convened and a date has been set, but can confirm it intends to call a number of players, club management and other third parties to appear before the panel to support its case."
Bath have responded to the charges against their former players, who chose to quit rather than face internal sanctions, saying the club's management "treat matters relating to drugs very seriously".
"We are perfectly satisfied that we acted correctly in requiring the players to explain themselves at an internal disciplinary hearing," the statement continued.
"They chose not to do so and, so far as we are concerned, our internal process is at an end, the players no longer being employed by the club.
"It would be inappropriate for the club to make any further comment until the RFU disciplinary process is concluded."