skysport.ch
Sky Sport

Watch live sport on

Sky Sport
News Rugby

Vunipola given formal warning by RFU

skysports

The Rugby Football Union has given Billy Vunipola a formal warning following his drunken arrest in Mallorca.

media_api_sky_en_6541828663ce603db938
© PA

The Rugby Football Union has given Billy Vunipola a formal warning following his drunken arrest in Mallorca.

In a statement, the RFU said it had reviewed the information Saracens provided following their investigation into the incident and believe a formal warning is the "most appropriate course of action."

The England No 8 issued a public apology after being fined €240 (£205) by an express trial for resisting the law having refused to leave a bar in Palma in April.

"We have also considered the apologies Billy has provided, his clear contrition and the circumstances around the incident," the RFU said.

"This warning will sit on his record for five years and may be relied upon in future disciplinary proceedings.

"It has been made clear to Billy that as a senior and respected player, such actions risk bringing the game as a whole into disrepute.

"In particular, such actions clearly go against the core values of rugby which collectively the sport works hard to promote."

Saracens issued a warning to Vunipola, who was tasered twice by Spanish police, over his behaviour, before the bar was evacuated and he was taken to hospital.

The 31-year-old revealed that he was drinking for the first time since August 2022 in anticipation that it would be his final team-bonding trip with Saracens due to his departure from the club this summer.

Vunipola said a minor injury incurred by one of the police officers happened accidentally as he struggled while a zip tie was being placed around his hands.

Video footage shows him standing unaffected by the first taser shot before succumbing to a second.

Saracens have two games left of the Gallagher English Premiership regular season, travelling to Bristol on May 11 before hosting Sale on May 18. The play-offs take place on June 1 ahead of the Premiership Final at Twickenham on June 8.

How to book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office

Fury vs Usyk
Image: Fury vs Usyk

It's one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide for the undisputed world heavyweight championship on Saturday May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the fight now.

Ad content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW

Sky Sports on NOW
Image: Sky Sports on NOW

Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League and EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and so much more.

You can now receive messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel. Find out more here...

Rate the article
0 Ratings
Your vote is counted.

Newsfeed

Read also

View More

Watch live sport on

Sky Sport
Copyright Sky Switzerland SA © 2001-2024. Created by EWM.swiss