Trio react to disciplinary decision

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The governing body have accused Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game "including taking prohibited substances and wilful refusal to take a drugs test", following an end-of-season celebration in London.

The trio, who deny the charges, had avoided a Bath disciplinary hearing on similar charges when they terminated their club contracts on June 1.

Australian lock Justin Harrison has also been charged by the RFU but he left Bath following allegations stemming from the same evening and has since retired.

Sports solicitor Richard Mallett released a statement on behalf of Lipman, Crockett and Higgins which said: "We are extremely surprised and disappointed both by the RFU's decision to convene a disciplinary panel and the terms of their statement.

"Any charges brought by the RFU will be vigorously contested.

"This is a matter that we take very seriously and will do everything possible in order to clear our names.

"For legal reasons we are unable to comment further at this stage."