RFU warns England players

Dawson was fined while he was away with the Lions

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has warned England players to avoid controversy or face the consequences.

The stern message follows the furore surrounding comments by England duo Matt Dawson and Austin Healey during this summer's Lions tour to Australia.

Both players were fined over comments they made in their respective newspaper columns.

England manager Clive Woodward is determined to make sure the same thing does not happen with the national team.

RFU president Francis Baron said: "We have a code of conduct. Clive has made it very clear what he accepts."

One player breached the rules and that player hasn't played for England again

RFU chief executive
Francis Baron

Baron added that England players are required to submit any newspaper articles written by them, or ghost written for them, for official approval.

They are also specifically forbidden from criticising other squad members, their preparations or the management.

Illustrating the RFU's hard-line stance Baron appeared to refer to former England hooker Richard Cockerill, who made critical comments in a book two years go.

Baron said: "One player breached the rules and that player hasn't played for England again.

"If there are any grey areas, they will be clearly sorted out with the squad when they reassemble for the Six Nations preparations."