Exposed! Bath stars’ nude run
TEAM SOCIAL TURNS WILD
Bath ha v e launched an investigation after players streaked across the pitch in broad daylight and set off a fire extinguisher during a team social.
Director of rugby todd Blackadder is understood to be furious and at least 10 players face a disciplinary hearing next week that could lead to fines or suspensions.
Sportsmail understands Lions pair anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph were not involved in the alcoholfuelled session at the Rec last tuesday evening.
Following the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Stade Francais, the squad were given permission to unwind with a night of moderate drinking.
But events soon got out of hand and players began to chant and heckle as No 10 George Ford took a kicking class with local children at the city-centre stadium. No children were present when the players exposed themselves but a number of parents complained after paying up to £60 per child for the training session. a club spokesman told the Bath
Chronicle: ‘Bath Rugby is currently addressing the events at the Recreation Ground last week, which involved a small group of players from the club.
‘the appropriate conduct of all players and staff is highly important to the club and disciplinary hearings with those involved will take place in the coming days.’
Blackadder dropped seven players for Sunday’s victory over Gloucester but it is understood his selections were not swayed by the incident.
It is not the first time the West Country club have faced off-field problems.
In 2009, the first team were involved in a pub brawl with harlequins players following their end-of-season party.
the same season, Matt Stevens and Justin harrison tested positive for cocaine use. In 2013, team-mates Gavin henson and Carl Fearns were involved in a fight in a local bar.
Bath face a must-win game against Sale on Saturday to secure a place in the playoffs, but they are likely to miss out on the semi-finals to fourth-placed Leicester.
WORCESTER prop Val Rapava Ruskin will appear before an RFU disciplinary panel today after being cited for pushing referee Greg Garner during Friday’s match against Newcastle.