Harper Adams University, an agricultural institution in Shropshire, has been temporarily barred from participating in rugby activities following allegations of abuse. The Student Rugby Football Union (SRFU) issued an interim suspension order just before the commencement of the new academic year.
The ban prevents the university from engaging in any organized rugby events, including competitions held by British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). This decision comes in the wake of an internal investigation that uncovered claims of sexual and physical abuse during rugby club initiation ceremonies.
According to documents from the university's inquiry, students allegedly experienced various forms of mistreatment, including sexual abuse and physical violence. The investigation was initiated after a student reported the abuse he claimed to have endured, which led to his transfer to another institution. Four additional students later substantiated some of his allegations in official interviews.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU), England's national governing body for rugby union, expressed deep concern over the allegations. An RFU spokesperson stated, "Behavior of this kind is completely unacceptable and has no place in our sport." The organization also noted that it has not yet been reassured that Harper Adams has implemented adequate measures to safeguard its players.
Founded in 1901, Harper Adams University is home to approximately 5,000 students and ranks fourth in the UK for agricultural and forestry degrees. Princess Anne was appointed as its first chancellor in 2013, eleven years prior to these recent developments.
The university's internal investigation suggested a pattern of abuse where older rugby club members targeted younger peers. Allegations included forced consumption of a mixture containing alcohol and bodily fluids, physical assaults, and incidents resulting in hospitalization.
In response to these issues, Harper Adams introduced a Respect Policy in 2021, outlining a revised code of conduct for students. This policy allows the Students' Union to restrict or cease funding for clubs or societies found to be perpetuating unacceptable behaviors.
"We were contacted in August this year by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) about the investigation carried out by Harper Adams University (HAU) following reports of incidents that took place in 2021. Since then, we, along with the HAU Students' Union, have been in active dialogue with the RFU to whom we have provided full details of the actions taken both before and subsequent to the investigation."
The RFU has previously taken similar action against other universities, such as suspending men's rugby at the University of South Wales for an entire season in 2019 due to allegations of abusive behavior.
As the situation unfolds, the university is set to meet with the RFU to discuss additional best-practice approaches recommended for implementation. The outcome of these discussions may determine the future of rugby at Harper Adams University and potentially influence policies at other institutions facing similar challenges.