DISCIPLINARY officials have issued suspensions to a Scottish rugby club after one of its players was injured in an unsavoury initiation prank that went wrong. The youngster, who had just made his debut, was made to run the length of the Howe of Fife team bus with a beer bottle between his buttocks and was left in agony when a team-mate slapped the bottle.
He needed hospital treatment at the time but though the police were involved and did investigate, nobody was charged with any criminal offence.
The incident happened more than a year ago and since then there has been a root-and-branch change in the club's management. The new regime say they are determined to rebuild its position of trust in the Cupar, Fife, community where it is based.
"The club acknowledges readily that the behaviour fell well short of what we expect," said current president Chris Reekie. "The players recognise that they are required to exhibit traits of leadership, responsibility, respect for the game and developing a family inclusive culture. We have changed dramatically in the outlook of the club and the manner we approach everything in respect of how we modify and develop behaviour."
The bans were announced yesterday and affect 16 people associated with the club at the time. Angus Fraser, who was club president at the time, and Garry Horne, who was then the coach, have both been banned from all rugby activities for a year. Both had already resigned their positions.
On top of that, two players. Angus Guthrie and Robert Douglas, have been banned for two seasons and another 12 players have been banned for between six and eight weeks on a rolling programme of suspensions to make sure the club can fulfil its fixtures.
The club has also been fined and all the officials and senior players have been ordered to attend workshops to ensure there is no repeat.
"The behaviour of those involved in this incident, including several individuals in positions of authority at the club, was completely unacceptable," said Mark Dodson, the SRU chief executive. “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.”
Howe of Fife have not tried to contest the allegations: "For me, it is about the club and the disappointment of all of those associated with Howe of Fife that it occurred," said Reekie. "What we have now is a completely new team from top to bottom who are leading and driving the club forward. Our aim is to re-establish the confidence and trust in the community and amongst the membership. We have 70 years of tradition and proud rugby history. That won’t end, we intend that to develop and grow.
"It was unfortunate that when we look at the club as whole it is such a small element. We have a a new coaching team who are progressive with a new outlook, a new ethos. All these things reflect the positive impact the club has with the membership and in the community. I am really confident that we can move forward past this sad episode in the history of the club and move on."
Since the episode and the year-long independent disciplinary investigation, Howe of Fife has made strides in expanding its junior programme, its ladies rugby sides and has established a veterans side as part of its rebuilding programme.
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