Sale Sharks suspend player arrested over rape allegation

Sale Sharks have revealed that they have suspended an England international player who was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of rape.

The player, who remains unnamed for legal reasons was detained on Sunday along with a 41-year-old woman was held on suspicion of administering a substance with intent to cause a sexual offence.

Both parties were released on bail earlier this week pending further investigation.

“Sale Sharks have been made aware of an allegation against one of its players and the subsequent arrest of that player by Greater Manchester Police on Sunday 9th January 2022," read a statement from Sale Sharks.

“The player in question has been suspended by Sale Sharks until further notice and is currently cooperating with police officers to assist in their investigation.

“As this matter is subject to a legal process there will be no further comment at this time.”

The report also indicated that player did not feature for England in recent times and is not expected to be part of Eddie Jones' Six Nations squad.

“Officers were called shortly before 11am on Sunday 9 January 2022 to a report of a sexual assault on a female on Thorpeness Square in Manchester,” a spokesperson of Greater Manchester Police said.

“A woman in her late teens was reported to have been sexually assaulted. She is currently being supported by specialist officers. A man was arrested on suspicion of rape and a 41-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of administering a substance with intent to cause a sexual offence.

“Both have since been released on bail as enquiries continue and a number of lines of enquiry are being followed up by detectives.”