Premiership rugby clubs face points deductions if stars break lockdown rules like Jofra Archer

PREMIERSHIP rugby clubs face points deductions if stars break coronavirus lockdown rules like cricket’s Jofra Archer.

Players must sign up to a  rigorous code of conduct when the sport returns next month.

The protocols around away trips will be crucial.

After being tested before matches, players will have to stay in hotels and not have contact with anyone outside a team environment.

Those breaking the rules could get bans and fines and see their club docked ten points.

They will also have to travel to matches in at least two separate coaches — just like Premier League players have been doing.

TWO POSITIVE TESTS

England paceman Archer was fined and had to self-isolate for five days when he breached team protocols ahead of the Second Test against the West Indies.

The rugby season will be played out from August 14.

Yesterday, just two players from separate clubs tested positive for coronavirus out of 896 screenings.

England will have similar rules in place when they return to Test action in October.

Meanwhile, World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont is under pressure after the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare group demanded an inquiry into his re-election in May.

In a damning 59-page dossier, they called the governing body “glaringly deficient” after Fijian convicted killer Francis Kean was elected onto the committee, but then axed.