Durham University student rugby club banned from playing after members dressed up as Jimmy Savile

A student rugby club has been banned from playing following bad behaviour on a night out when members dressed up as disgraced TV star Jimmy Savile, his victims and police.

The bad taste fancy-dress night by members of St Cuthbert's Society Men's Rugby Club, of Durham University, included allegations that one person stripped off, the attempted theft of a dartboard from a rival college bar, and a fire alarm being set off at another venue.

St Cuthbert's - one of the university's most successful college sides - has been banned from playing for the rest of the term after first-year players dressed up as young girls, second years wore Savile outfits, and third and fourth years came as police officers or Panorama journalists.

Members have also been banned from at least two college bars.

A Durham University spokesman said: "The university has been made aware of an incident.

"We take such matters very seriously. The students' college has investigated the incident and disciplinary action is being taken."

It is understood from reports in the University’s student newspaper that organisers of the event, on October 25, have been ordered to carry out unpaid work and £50 fines have been imposed on players.

St Cuthbert's College celebrates its 125th anniversary next year and counts BBC news presenter Kate Silverton among its alumni.

PA