LONDON (AP) — English rugby authorities have begun investigating allegations of player misconduct during the country’s disappointing World Cup.
The Rugby Football Union says those found to have violated the organization’s player agreement or its code of conduct could be warned, fined or suspended.
Former England captain Fran Cotton will lead one of the reviews. He says off-the-field episodes had a “corrosive effect” on the team.
During England’s stay in New Zealand, Manu Tuilagi was detained by police after jumping off a ferry into Auckland’s harbor. Teammate Mike Tindall was caught on security footage at a bar holding a woman’s hand and receiving a kiss on top of his head. The 2003 World Cup-winning center married Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter in August.
