Rebels backs Danny Cipriani and Richard Kingi have been stood down for selection for their team’s match against the Reds this weekend due to disciplinary issues.
Former England back Cipriani and Australian Commonwealth Games silver medallist Kingi breached Rebels protocol by staying out late after Saturday night’s loss to the Waratahs.
Both players agreed that they would stand down after a Melbourne Rebels players standards group was held today.
Rebels CEO Ross Oakley said the players had “both failed to uphold an agreement made by the players following Saturday night’s game against the Waratahs in Sydney.”
“Both players defied a team directive to abstain from staying out late on Saturday night, given the six-day break ahead of our next game,” Oakley told the Herald Sun.
“The club fully supports the decision of our player standards group.”
This incident is Cipriani’s second incident with the Rugby club stemming from his behaviour in a night club.
In February Cipriani was fined an undisclosed amount after he removed a bottle of Vodka from behind the bar of a Chapel Street nightclub.
Ironically that incident happened after the Rebels lost their match 0-43 against the Waratahs.
Since then Cipriani has won over many Australian fans with his skills but also failing to meet tackling standards.
Both Cipriani and Kingi were warned not to stay out late in Sydney with the Reds game looming after a short break.
“We have taken this action due to a breach of team protocol,” off-field club leader and player Tim Davidson said,
“We are very protective of our standards and we are disappointed that these players have put themselves before the team.”