Gloucester attack RFU over Cipriani charge

Gloucester Rugby have criticised the RFU to charge Danny Cipriani over his arrest and fine.

Cipriani has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

Gloucester Rugby CEO Stephen Vaughan was not happy with the development.

“We are surprised and extremely disappointed to have recently received notification of disciplinary action against Danny Cipriani by the RFU” he said.

“Yesterday afternoon I received a personal assurance from the RFU that no disciplinary discussions would take place until we had completed our own conversations as stated in our club release.

“With the team in Belfast for tomorrow’s preseason friendly against Ulster, we had indicated that this would be carried out early next week following the team’s return.

“There is no historic precedent of a player being singled out in this manner, and we feel that this disciplinary process has been influenced by the significant media coverage of this week’s events and other external factors and not based on the actual facts of the matter.

“In summary, we do not agree with the RFU’s decision to embark upon a disciplinary process before we have concluded our own internal discussions and fail to understand the reasons for this approach.

“We do not believe that this decision and the subsequent unnecessary public attention that will now follow it is in the best interests of either the RFU, the club, the player nor the game in general.”

The RFU statement today read; “In light of his conviction for common assault and resisting arrest, Danny Cipriani has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to Rugby Football Union Rule 5.12.”

RFU Head of Discipline David Barnes said: “We have high standards that we expect across the game, in line with rugby’s core values, from all those involved within it. I have this afternoon taken the decision to charge Danny Cipriani.”

Cipriani’s hearing in front of an independent disciplinary panel will take place next week with date, time and panel members to be confirmed.

Previous hearings under the same regulations have led to fines or suspensions and the panel will have the power to decide on the type of sanction if they impose one.