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Support isn't universal for RFU decision to charge boozing Barbarians

(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Barbarians)

The RFU decision to bring charges against the 13 Barbarians players who broke Covid-19 protocols last week has received mixed public support. England’s fixture with the Baa-Baas last Sunday was cancelled after it was revealed that members of the squad had breached health and safety guidance by leaving their team hotel bubble. 

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The players will now appear before an online independent disciplinary panel charged with individual breaches of the protocols (leaving the hotel without permission or without informing organisers of their whereabouts) and providing false statements during an investigation. 

Although some players have already apologised for this indiscretion, the RFU has said that it will publish the players’ names as well as the sanctions. These sanctions could be “fines and/or match bans and/or any other suitable sanction,” according to the RFU. 

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      The Barbarians players at fault came in for a lashing after the game was cancelled and were universally chastised for their irresponsibility, but this RFU decision has not been overwhelmingly supported. 

      There does seem to be many on social media that agree with throwing the book at the players, albeit no one is entirely sure what that would entail. Players have, of course, been punished for off-field incidents before, but never like in these bizarre circumstances.

      Given the financial ramifications of this cancelled game and the economic situation rugby finds itself in, the response from some is perhaps more intense than it usually would be. Having said that, there are those that feel this is a storm in a teacup which will only create more unnecessary controversy. The best course of action therefore should be to move on. 

      Although social media offers very little in terms of the middle ground, this does appear to be a polarising series of events. The players involved have been rebuked over the past week, and while that is clearly enough for some, others feel the punishment should be extended. 

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      https://twitter.com/anthonyjcook/status/1321854194547085314?s=20

      https://twitter.com/neilfissler/status/1321870420161810432

       

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      C
      CO 49 minutes ago
      Scott Robertson's disappointing Ruben Love decision

      Will Jordan is as good as any fullback in the world and at six foot two is backed up by younger, larger talent at fullback like Sullivan and Spencer. Ruben Love is a slightly larger but less eccentric version of McKenzie at this stage in his development.


      McKenzie, he's like a wildly energetic dog that doesn't stop being a pup until the age of six.


      McKenzie is no longer the young pup, he's entering his best years as a ten, he's been a test player for nine years and that's really starting to produce under Razor.


      NZ sometimes pigeon holes players early and can be blind to the McKenzie late bloomers, McKenzie is a loyal, passionate Allblack and it's only because of a double world player of the year that he's not starting at ten each time for the Allblacks.


      For those that get to meet McKenzie he's a relaxed, friendly, courteous and composed person and he is looking likely to peak as a ten at RWC.


      However, McKenzie isn't really the guy we need to replace and Love is the nearest thing NZ has as a younger model. Instead NZ needs to be looking for a guy with the size and height of Beauden, Pollard, Farrell, Larkham, Sexton.


      Carter was a freak at ten and McKenzies also really special but the games now dominated by first fives that are noticeably over six foot. A smaller guy needs to be freakishly talented.


      Love is a handy player that plays well at both fullback and ten, he's got a really good mindset and a superb footballer like McKenzie but I'm a crowded fullback field that still has Jordie Barret around to fill in, Love needs to spend a lot more time at ten, a position that NZ is struggling with for world class depth.


      As for Naitoa, he needs a run at six, he's a lock that's really better suited to six.


      The French are a handful and the Allblacks can really build a strong year by winning the third test, once the games under control then Love should be swapped with McKenzie to have his chance at ten.

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