English RFU probe relegation 'conspiracy'

The English Rugby Football Union will appoint an independent inquiry to investigate claims of a conspiracy among Zurich Premiership clubs to prevent relegation from the top flight.

The 12 top-flight clubs issued a joint statement yesterday protesting their innocence and claiming RFU disciplinary officer Robert Horner could find no evidence of the alleged conspiracy.

But Horner has responded by calling an inquiry into allegations made by Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth.

Rotherham failed to earn promotion last season as reward for winning the National League One title due to problems with their home ground.

Duckworth claimed recently the top-flight clubs were attempting to prevent the South Yorkshire club taking their place in the Premiership again, despite moving to Rotherham United’s Millmoor ground.

Duckworth claimed Premiership clubs offered a financial incentive to Rotherham to remain in the second division this season – and are planning to hatch a similar deal with the champions elect.

Horner said: “After considering very carefully the representations made to me by representatives of Premier Rugby, upon which their recent statement is based, I have concluded that, in the light of the various allegations made over the past week, the correct RFU process is for me to appoint a totally independent enquiry into this matter.

“From the statements made to me by Premier Rugby I would expect them to co-operate fully with the enquiry as it must be in their interests to establish the validity of their position.

“I would stress that this is entirely my decision and one which, as disciplinary officer, I have reached independently.”