Danny Care dropped after arrest

04/01/2012

Fans enjoying corporate hospitality at Twickenham during the Six Nations tournament may applaud the stance taken by the Rugby Football Union in dropping Danny Care from the England squad after his arrest for an alleged drink-driving offence.

The Harlequins scrum half was detained in the early hours of New Year's Day and has indicated he will plead guilty when he appears in court on January 16th.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster noted it was the second time the player has been arrested for alcohol-related reasons in a matter of weeks and said he cannot be picked to play in such circumstances.

He stated: "At such a time that we feel he can be trusted to behave appropriately on and off the field then he will be reconsidered for selection," but confirmed this will not be until after the Six Nations.

Harlequins have also fined the player and will be liaising with the Rugby Players' Association to provide Care with alcohol awareness help.

Meanwhile, the rest of the England squad will undergo a pre-tournament training camp in Leeds, Lancaster announced earlier this week.

By Ted Walker