Rugby boys investigated after match-fixing allegations

The men’s rugby club are being investigated by uni authorities after allegations of match-fixing.

The team have already been disciplined by BUCS after a cancelled fixture between Cardiff and Swansea was never rearranged.

Cardiff’s rugby union first XV had been due to play Swansea on February 15. The match was cancelled due to the cold weather.

But according to allegations made to BUCS, rather than rearrange the match, the clubs agreed on a 10-10 draw and did not play the fixture.

In this year’s Premier South A league, Cardiff lie sixth with 14 points. Swansea take fifth with a total of 27. A draw would have aided Swansea’s bid for a play-off place, possibly at the expense of Bath.

A subsequent investigation by BUCS found the match void, with no points awarded and no rearrangement of the game.

Cardiff University has now taken the matter into its own hands and launched an internal investigation.

Speaking to WalesOnline, a Cardiff University spokesman said: “We have been informed by the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) of the outcome of their investigation into a complaint made around a student rugby fixture between Cardiff and Swansea Universities.

“The university has fully cooperated with their investigation and the matter is now subject to Cardiff University’s own internal investigation proceedings.”

A BUCS spokeswoman said: “The allegation of match fixing is taken very seriously by BUCS – with robust rules and regulations and a full disciplinary process governing BUCS student sport.

“The case was presented to an independent sports resolution panel with both universities present.

“The result of the panel was communicated to both universities and the wider BUCS membership of 165 universities in the UK.

“The fixture was deemed as void with no rearrangement or points awarded.”

Swansea University has conducted its own investigation and decided against taking action.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the BUCS investigation into a student rugby match.

“We have held our own investigation and decided that no further action is necessary.”

The news comes ahead of Varsity, to be held on April 24 at the Millennium Stadium. Cardiff host Swansea in the annual showpiece, with 30,000 fans expected to attend.

Cardiff are the reigning champions, but Swansea will be keen to take back the crown they last won in 2011.