THE RUGBY Football Union has drafted in a former Scotland Yard detective to launch an urgent inquiry into the leaking of three supposedly confidential reports into England's disastrous World Cup, writes PAUL REES

The RFU’s chief disciplinary officer, Jeff Blackett, said he is outraged by the leak and was arranging for a former detective to head an independent inquiry to identify the person responsible and also establish a motive.

“It is very disappointing that such sensitive information, based on a number of statements by individuals who were promised confidentiality, has been leaked,” he said.

“It is outrageous that individuals find themselves disparaged without the right of reply and this is damaging to the RFU as an organisation. When the report is produced, and I would imagine the time frame will be two weeks, we will take the necessary action.”

Outrageous was the word used by Damien Hopley, the chief executive of the Rugby Players’ Association, who sits on the Professional Game Board, the body which is reviewing the World Cup campaign and which received the three reports.

It will report to the RFU’s board of directors on November 30th and make a number of recommendations.

“I am devastated that our members’ trust has been so publicly betrayed,” said Hopley.