Bath University rugby team 'plotted to spike drinks of female students at pub': Probe is launched

The University of Bath launched an investigation into claims that members of its rugby club conspired to intentionally spike the drinks of female students in a pub.In a statement on Tuesday, the university said it was aware of 'frightening' allegations made on social media that 'members of a university sports club planned to spike female students during Freshers' Week'.The probe was sparked after screenshots of a WhatsApp message from an anonymous female student circulated around the university, claiming she had overheard 'rugby guys' talking about spiking her and her friends at a pub.The leaked message read: 'Rugby guys in the Royal Oak were talking about spiking me, my mates and other girls. They are still on the prowl. Take care of each other.'Spiking involves putting alcohol or drugs into a victim's drink without their knowledge or consent. It also involves injecting someone with alcohol or drugs, or adding the substances to vapes, food or cigarettes.It is illegal and carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.The University of Bath Rugby Club denied that it 'organised, promoted, or attempted to arrange any activity of this nature'.On Tuesday afternoon, the Somerset university said it took such allegations 'extremely seriously' and subsequently ordered an independent investigation to 'establish the facts'. The University of Bath (pictured) has been hit by controversy this week after an investigation was launched into claims members of its rugby club were planning to spike the drinks of female studentsIf evidence of wrongdoing is found, it added 'robust' disciplinary measures will be enforced. It also said a wider review will be launched into the 'culture' of sports clubs at the university.The university acknowledged that the investigation has triggered fear among the student body, and added: 'We appreciate that this situation has been frightening for many students, particularly women who are now concerned about their own safety when going out in Bath.'In response to the growing concerns, it said it 'stepped up' security in nightclubs and other venues over the weekend.In its statement on social media, it also raised concerns about 'reports of abuse' against members of the sports club in the aftermath of the accusations, saying: 'It is really important that all our students' well-being and safety is respected while due process is carried out.'In a joint statement with the university's students' union (SU) last week, the rugby club said it was aware of 'concerns circulating among the student community within Bath that associate the club with disturbing and unacceptable behaviour towards female students'.It added that it 'does not condone, encourage, or accept targeting, coercion, harassment, intimidation, or any behaviour that puts others at risk'.'We have not organised, promoted, or attempted to arrange any activity of this nature,' the joint statement said.'The University of Bath Rugby Club is committed to promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion. 'We work closely with the students' union, the university, and other partners to ensure our members uphold our values and the responsibilities they have as representatives of the club and the wider student community.'Freshers' Week, described as the 'biggest week of the SU calendar', ran from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27. Its primary use is for new students to mingle and to introduce newcomers to what the university has to offer, including societies. This week's controversy is, however, not the first time the sport of rugby has been involved in scrutiny in the Bath university. In 2020, the men's rugby union team was banned by the SU from taking part in the annual University of Bath Varsity after several complaints emerged spanning excessive alcohol consumption, alleged 'sexual misconduct' and violent behaviour. It was reported more than 30 cases of disciplinary action had been taken by the university against members of the University of Bath's rugby team for their behaviour between October 2018 and October 2019.It included several cases of alleged sexual 'misconduct' and violence as well as prolific excessive alcohol consumption. This included claims made by one woman that three members of the club had followed her into a female toilet, ignoring her requests to be left alone.The 'sustained pattern of behaviour' resulted in the team's ban from playing at Varsity 2020 – an annual multi-sport competition featuring rugby union and other sports where Team Bath plays against a rival institution. Tom Sawko, the SU's then-sport officer said at the time: 'Between October 2018 and October 2019, the SU were made aware of a large number of complaints which resulted in disciplinary action for rugby club members. 'Whilst these were dealt with within SU or university procedures, we decided to take additional action to ensure there was no underlying problem within the club.'Therefore SU senior management, officers and SU sport decided a men's rugby union team would not be entered into Varsity this year, and that every member would attend compulsory #NeverOK bystander training.'The University of Bath SU, University of Bath Rugby Club and Avon and Somerset Police have been approached for comment.Do YOU have a story? Email isabella.machin@dailymail.co.uk