RFU set Lipman date

Former Bath stars to face July date on disciplinary charges

Last updated: 1st July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

RFU set Lipman date

Lipman: Disciplinary charges

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The Rugby Football Union have set a date of July 29 for the disciplinary hearing against England flanker Michael Lipman and three former Bath team-mates.

Lipman and team-mates Alex Crockett, Andrew Higgins and former Australia lock Justin Harrison face a number of charges including "taking prohibited substances and wilful refusal to take a drugs test".

The RFU brought about the charges of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game on June 17 following an investigation.

Lipman, Crockett and Higgins have all denied deny any wrongdoing, while Harrison has retired from rugby and returned to Australia after being granted an early release from his Bath contract, and has not commented on the charges.

In a joint statement issued after the RFU announced they were bringing charges, the three players said: "Any charges brought by the RFU will be vigorously contested.

"This is a matter that we take very seriously and will do everything possible in order to clear our names."

Lipman and Crockett were co-captains at The Rec last season, and they along with Higgins have had their contracts with the club terminated after being called to face a club disciplinary hearing, which preceded the RFU investigation.

The case, scheduled for two days, will start at 10am on July 29 and is to be heard by the RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), John Brennan and Jeremy Summers.