Howe of Fife suspensions

Scottish Rugby has today published details of the sanctions applied by an independent discipline panel following an incident which occurred on a Howe of Fife team bus last season.

The club’s former Head Coach and former President have each been suspended from any involvement in rugby coaching, officiating or administration for a year for failing to exercise reasonable and proper control over the players under their supervision.

Two Howe players have been suspended from playing for two seasons for their part in the incident. Twelve other Howe players received shorter playing bans, of between 6 and 8 weeks.

Howe of Fife as a club will be required to ensure all office bearers, trustees, directors and players over the age of 18 attend a series of leadership workshops to improve the club’s culture. A fine has also been applied against the club.

Details of the sanctions involved are available on Scottish Rugby’s website.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: “The behaviour of those involved in this incident, including several individuals in positions of authority at the club, was completely unacceptable.

“Scottish Rugby has been proactive to ensure a full, independent disciplinary process was conducted and that measures are put in place to deliver a change of culture at the club.

“The actions of those involved have absolutely no place in our sport. Significant sanctions have been applied in this matter and Scottish Rugby will not hesitate to take action against any club, official or player behaving in a similarly unacceptable manner.”