Rhodes loses ECB role after Hepburn rape charges quiz
STEVE RHODES’ proud 32-year association with Worcestershire is in the balance after being accused of holding back information on a player accused of rape.
The former England keeper is under investigation by the county for failing to inform them of the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn, 21, who has since been charged on two counts.
Chairman Steve Taylor has confirmed that Rhodes, in charge of Worcestershire since 2006, is “under investigation but not suspended” by the county, who have just won promotion.
Rhodes has also been relieved of his duties with the England U19s, who he was due to lead to South Africa ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand in January and February 2018. He has been replaced by Gloucestershire’s Richard Dawson.
A Worcestershire CCC statement read: “WCCC can confirm they are currently dealing with a disciplinary matter involving Steve Rhodes and relates solely to his role as director of cricket. The matter is ongoing so there will be no further comment.”
It has been alleged that Australian-born Hepburn had approached Rhodes for assistance following his arrest in relation to an incident in April.
Rhodes, it is said, agreed not to pass on details of the allegation to the club and, in the meantime, Hepburn was selected for firstteam T20 duties and signed a new one-year contract with the county.
It is believed both Worcestershire and the ECB only became aware of the incident after Hepburn was charged on November 9. He has since been suspended on full pay and will appear before Worcester Magistrates on Thursday.
A club spokesman added: “Worcestershire CCC can confirm that Alex Hepburn was charged with two counts of rape following an investigation by West Mercia Police into an incident which occurred on April 1.
“As the matter is now subject to criminal proceedings the club is unable to provide any further comment at this stage.”
This is not the first time Rhodes has clashed with the county’s hierarchy. Earlier this year he fell out with chief executive Tom Scott over the handling of Tom KohlerCadmore’s move to Yorkshire, which resulted in Scott tendering his resignation.
His internal disciplinary hearing, run by independent board members, is expected to be heard and concluded by the end of next week.
Hepburn, who moved from Perth in 2013, represented Worcestershire twice in List A in 2015 before making it to the T20 squad. He made five first-class appearances last summer.