Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Tom Wilkinson
Thursday 22 November 2012 13:54 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in