Dallaglio joins task group

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The RFU formed the 'Image of the Game Task Group' in the wake of recent drug issues at Bath and the fake blood scandal at Harlequins that have scarred English rugby.

Dallaglio is joined on the panel by players' union chairman and Bath prop David Barnes, club chairmen Cecil Duckworth and Andrew Coppell plus executives from Twickenham, including Rob Andrew and RFU disciplinary chief Judge Jeff Blackett.

The group is chaired by RFU president John Owen and will conduct a "wide-ranging and thorough review of issues in the game", including an investigation into the scale of cheating within rugby. Their first meeting will take place in the week commencing September 7 and a series of recommendations will be delivered to the RFU's management board by September 30.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "The RFU has been very clear that we needed to act quickly at a game-wide level to ensure that recent events can never happen again.

"The 'Image of the Game Task Group' includes the people we believe can help us do that and we will also work closely with the International Rugby Board (IRB) in support of their initiatives in this area.

"This is not a disciplinary panel set up to take action against clubs and players, the RFU disciplinary process will handle that should it be necessary. Nor will it be a talking shop. It will be focused on the issues at hand and actionable solutions. We will do whatever it takes to rebuild the reputation of the sport and that work starts now."

Much of the positive impact made by this summer's Lions tour has been erased by the scandals which have dominated the off-season rugby headlines.

Harlequins were found guilty of cheating in their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster after Tom Williams used fake blood to feign injury. The RFU task force will investigate the impact the case has had on the game as a whole, including spectators and sponsors, and consider any other evidence of "cheating and gamesmanship".

Bath have lost five players to drug-related issues this year, including England prop Matt Stevens and former Australia lock Justin Harrison who admitted taking cocaine. The task force will consider the conclusions of the recent illicit drugs forum, which agreed to implement out-of-competition testing.