Cardiff statement: 'False information on social media sites'

Dai Young’s Cardiff have issued a Thursday night statement criticising social media speculation that some players have had their contracts terminated at the URC club following an alleged incident last weekend. The Welsh region had confirmed earlier this week they were investigating allegations relating to a supposedly “appalling” incident in a city centre pub.

Cardiff were beaten 31-18 by the Lions at the Arms Park in a Friday night URC game and Young's squad embarked on a team social the following night that reportedly didn’t pan out as hoped.

It was alleged there were angry exchanges between a number of Cardiff players and members of staff at The Grange on Penarth Road. According to a member of staff, who posted a since-deleted message on Reddit, the players in question caused “chaos” at the premises - which included the throwing of eggs - before being ejected.

The incident has since ignited much speculation about what action Cardiff might take but no decision has yet been reached and the club issued a statement on Thursday pleading with people to stop publishing what they described as false information.

“Cardiff Rugby are aware of false information being published on social media sites speculating on the outcome of an internal investigation,” began the statement.

“The investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour on Saturday evening is ongoing and has not come to a conclusion. No disciplinary decisions have been made and no contracts have been terminated. We ask that supporters and members of the media respect the ongoing process.”

Cardiff have got their new 2022/23 URC season off to a frustratingly inconsistent start, losing to Glasgow and the South African Lions following an opening weekend win over Munster. They are set to play at Scarlets on Saturday in round four where they are currently placed 13th in the 16-team tournament.