De Montfort rugby initiation ceremony earns RFU charge

An initiation ceremony at De Montfort University's rugby union club in Leicester has earned them a Rugby Football Union charge.

De Montfort University RFC face two misconduct charges, both relating to initiation ceremonies that are alleged to have taken place on 18 November last year.

They have been charged with "alleged conduct prejudicial to the Union and/or game".

The alleged ceremonies included asking new players to appear naked and blindfolded on a playing field in sight of the general public, getting pelted with eggs and flour and drinking a "dirty pint" of milk, containing substances such as sauces and chilli powder.

Players were also expected to slide along a sheet of plastic greased with foul-smelling substances, eat from tins containing dog food, baked beans and spaghetti hoops and jump into a paddling pool containing urine.

The second charge relates to the allegation that members of the club were placed in a position whereby they had to travel back to campus wearing shorts and shoes only.

Senior officers of the club have been asked to attend the hearing at the Leicester Marriott Hotel on 25 January.