Bath probe party that ends in 'fight' with Harlequins

Chris Jones
19.05.09

Bath Rugby Club have launched an investigation after their end-of-season party ended with an apparent brawl involving Harlequins players in a Fulham pub.

It is understood Quins were holding their traditional annual fancy dress party in the Pitcher & Piano on Sunday 10 May when members of the Bath squad arrived, having spent most of the evening at north London venue The Church.

Both teams had been beaten in the Guinness Premiership play-offs the day before and were letting off steam when it is alleged Bath's Justin Harrison became abusive.

The Australian was then offered the chance to go outside to resolve a dispute and was felled by a punch from a Quins player.

Quins are known to be furious at being caught up in what is the latest problem to hit Bath, whose England prop Matt Stevens was handed a two-year ban this season for testing positive for cocaine.

Bath officials insist they will not be saying anything on the matter until their own investigations are complete.

Jez Manterfield, manager of the Pitcher & Piano in Fulham, said today: "They [Bath and Harlequins] were all in here. It was quite lively. There were a few altercations but we ejected most of the parties and there were definitely some afters in the street outside."