Foden to face disciplinary committee

England star Ben Foden will face the Rugby Football Union’s disciplinary chief on Monday to explain his conduct after he was cautioned by police for causing criminal damage.

The meeting between full-back Foden and Jeff Blackett is not a disciplinary hearing.

But RFU disciplinary officer Blackett will take a decision on whether or not 25-year-old Foden should face disciplinary action after hearing his side of the story. A formal warning appears the most likely outcome.

The Northampton player received a police caution for causing criminal damage after an altercation with a taxi driver in London during the early hours of March 28.

Foden’s club decided to take no action against him. He played in last weekend’s Aviva Premiership victory over his former club Sale Sharks, and is expected to line-up against Heineken Cup quarter-final opponents Ulster on Sunday.

An RFU spokesman said: “As the national governing body for rugby in England, the Rugby Football Union expects all players to uphold the core values of the game.

“It notes that Ben Foden has accepted a police caution and has apologised for his part in the incident.

“Ben has now been asked to appear before the RFU disciplinary officer, Judge Jeff Blackett, next Monday afternoon.

“It should be noted that this is not an RFU disciplinary hearing, but an opportunity for Ben to explain his conduct.”

Foden was an ever-present during England’s recent RBS 6 Nations campaign, helping them clinch a first title since 2003.