England star Itoje’s agent investigated by RFU

THE AGENT of England rugby star Maro Itoje is being investigated by the RFU for alleged infringements of betting regulations.

Matt Hart, who works for the rugby arm of Stellar Group — the agency that represents sporting superstars such as Gareth Bale — is under examination by the disciplinary department.

Under Regulation 17, everyone involved in the professional game — players at all levels, agents, match officials, disciplinary personnel, coaching and backroom staff, owners and directors — are not allowed to bet on any rugby match and Hart is suspected of breaching integrity standards.

Agents are privy to sensitive information such as team selection, transfers and tactics which can all impact on match outcomes.

Hart’s profile has been removed from the Stellar website, but his email address remains and he is still listed by the RFU as an accredited agent.

His profile previously described him as being ‘pivitol [sic] in negotiating some of the biggest deals in the Premiership including Kurtley Beale, Toby Faletau and Ben Te’o.’

When contacted by The Mail on Sunday, an RFU spokeswoman said: ‘We cannot comment on any ongoing cases.’

Hart referred all contact to a lawyer, who declined to comment.

If found guilty, the sanctions range from a warning to a lifetime suspension.

Ex-Leicester defence coach Phil Blake was banned for six months in 2015 after he was found guilty of two breaches of anti-corruption and betting rules.