England flanker Michael Lipman and three of his former Bath team-mates will face an RFU disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.

The RFU have completed their initial investigation after Bath accused Lipman (left), Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins of failing to take drug tests on three occasions following an end-of-season celebration in London.

Australian lock Justin Harrison had earlier left Bath following lurid allegations stemming from the same evening.

Lipman, Crockett and Higgins vehemently denied refusing to provide a sample and terminated their contracts on 1 June, immediately before they were due to appear before a Bath disciplinary hearing.

Sports solicitor Richard Mallett today released a statement on behalf of Lipman, Crockett and Higgins which said: "We are 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. We will do everything possible in order to clear our names."

Twickenham's disciplinary manager Bruce Reece-Russel launched the inquiry following allegations against the quartet.

Bath chief executive Bob Calleja last night released a statement which read: "The club treat matters relating to drugs very seriously and we are satisfied that we acted correctly in requiring the players to explain themselves at an internal disciplinary hearing.

"They chose not to do so and, so far as we are concerned, our internal process is at an end, the players no longer being employed by the club."