Here are your rugby morning headlines for Tuesday, June 9.
Saracens investigate nightclub incident with England cricket stars
An incident at a nightclub involving England cricket captain Ben Stokes, pace bowler Gus Atkinson and a Saracens academy rugby union player is being investigated by both the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Gallagher Prem Rugby club.
The identity of the Saracens academy player allegedly involved has not been made public, but the club say they are aware of an incident and are currently investigating.
The Telegraph allege the rugby player threw a punch at Atkinson, but instead connected with an ECB security guard supervising the players who required stitches.
“We are aware of an incident involving an academy player connected to Saracens on Sunday evening,” said the statement.
“The club is currently establishing the full facts and is in contact with the relevant authorities and individuals involved. Once this process is complete, the matter will be reviewed and addressed appropriately.”
An ECB statement said Stokes and Atkinson were involved in a “breach of team protocols” in the early hours of Monday morning, after the conclusion of their win over New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday.
It is the latest controversy to hit the England team following an Ashes tour dogged with allegations of a drinking culture.
Before the Ashes, white-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand, while footage of Ben Duckett on a night out emerged midway through the series.
England have imposed a midnight curfew on all players and staff – with the curfew believed to still be in place despite the first Test being over. However, the investigation relates to more than a breach of the curfew.
“The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,” said the statement.
“Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.
“We are currently seeking further information, and an announcement regarding the squad for the second Test will be made in due course.
“The Cricket Regulator has been informed and we will provide a further update when possible.”
Former Irish rugby boss dies
Former Irish Rugby Football Union CEO Philip Browne has died at the age of 66.
Having initially joined Ireland’s governing body in 1992, Browne served as CEO from 1998 until 2021.
IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said in a statement: “Over more than two decades as Chief Executive, he helped build the structures and stability that underpin the success of the game today.
“Everyone in Irish Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Philip Browne. The scale of Philip’s contribution to Irish rugby cannot be overstated. Over more than two decades as Chief Executive, he helped build the structures and stability that underpin the success of the game today.
“I had the privilege of working alongside Philip for 17 years. He was hugely admired and trusted by everyone he worked with, and he brought kindness and thoughtfulness to everything he did.
“His legacy can be seen in so many areas of the game, including the Aviva Stadium, where he was the key driver behind its redevelopment. He was a deeply respected colleague and friend whose impact extended far beyond his role, and he will be greatly missed for many years to come.
“On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Annemarie, Jack, SallyAnn and Philip’s wider family, friends and former colleagues at this very difficult time.”
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During Browne’s long tenure, Irish prospered on the field, winning four Six Nations championships and the provincial teams collected a total of seven European Cups, while the IRFU enjoyed a period of rapid commercial growth off the field.
“Under his leadership, Irish rugby successfully transitioned fully into the professional era, establishing strong provincial structures, enhancing high-performance pathways, and underpinning sustained success across the men’s and women’s international teams,” the IRFU statement read.
“His tenure also saw significant growth in the commercial and organisational strength of the Union, ensuring the long-term stability of the game at all levels.
“Widely respected both at home and internationally, Philip was known for his integrity, calm authority, and deep understanding of the sport. He was a constant presence in Irish rugby during a period of unprecedented change and success, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the game today.”
Double World Cup-winner leaves
England flanker and double World Cup winner Marlie Packer will leave Saracens at the end of the season after nine years at the club.
The 36-year-old, who has captained both club and country during a glittering career, has lifted three Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) titles with Sarries.
“This club has been a huge part of my life and has given me memories I will carry with me forever,” Packer told the club website., external
“Leaving was not an easy decision, and I will miss being around the club and the girls, but I will always look back on these nine years with immense gratitude and pride.”
Her final home game for Sarries will be this Sunday when they host Exeter in the PWR semi-finals.
Packer – who won 116 caps for the Red Roses and was part of World Cup triumphs in 2014 and 2025 – joined Saracens in 2017 and scored six tries on her debut.
She was also named World Rugby women’s 15s player of the year in 2023.
Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry said Packer had been an “exceptional servant” to the club.
He added: “There have been many great players to represent Saracens and Marlie will undoubtedly be remembered as one of them.
“Her competitiveness, quality and ability to deliver in the biggest moments have helped shape this club throughout the professional era.
“For much of the last decade, Marlie has been a captain, leader, trailblazer and advocate for the women’s game. Quite simply, she has embodied what it means to be a Saracen.”
George Furbank targeting trophy to toast triumphant Northampton farewell
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent
George Furbank is targeting a triumphant Northampton farewell but knows a scripted ending has to be earned.
Furbank will make his final appearance at Franklin’s Gardens as a Saints player in Friday’s Gallagher Prem play-off against fierce East Midlands rivals Leicester before joining Harlequins next season.
The 29-year-old academy graduate has served as Northampton captain since 2024 and is determined to decorate his eight years at the club with a second league winners medal.
“The dream ending would be to go and lift the trophy again because that’s what I play rugby to do,” England full-back Furbank said.
“To do that in my last game for Saints would also be pretty epic, so it’s definitely a driving factor.
“We got to do that a couple of years ago when the likes of Courtney Lawes, Alex Waller, Alex Moon and Lewis Ludlam were leaving the club.
“That was an incredibly special day and I’d love a fairy-tale ending, but I’m pretty aware that fairy tales don’t happen just easily. You’ve got to go out and earn those moments.”
Furbank will depart with a heartfelt reference from director of rugby Phil Dowson, who on Monday praised a “ridiculous player” and “resilient character” with a strong team ethic.
Dowson also admires the way contract negotiations were handled when it became clear Saints, who despite their success are the Prem’s third lowest spenders on wages, could not match the offers being made by Harlequins and other clubs.
“Furbs is a great lad and a really good man and I’ve enjoyed coaching him,” Dowson said.
“The way he has dealt with the setback of the contract situation and carried on playing really well and driving the group shows his maturity and character.
“He still had a really open relationship with me and the other coaches when he could have been upset and that was epic. It spoke loads about him.”
For his part, Furbank understood Northampton’s successful policy of promoting academy players while also being won over by the interest shown in his by Harlequins.
“I wanted the club to be as honest as possible with me and I was going to be as honest as possible with them,” he said.
“That starts you off in good stead and I’m also pretty aware of how rugby works in that you’re never going to be able to keep a group together forever.
“If Saints weren’t necessarily going to push the boat out to keep me, then they were aware that I was going to leave. This has been my boyhood club for 10 years so I didn’t want to fall out with anyone.
“I know the mantra Northampton have in wanting to bring young boys through and I think that’s what stands this club in great stead because they’ve got an incredible academy system.
“It’s nothing personal, that’s sport at the end of the day. And my relationship with the coaches and staff wasn’t going to change because of that.”
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