1999: Drugs row Dallaglio goes

Lawrence Dallaglio has resigned as England's rugby union captain following newspaper allegations that he took and dealt hard drugs.

The Rugby Football Union made the announcement at Twickenham after a three-hour meeting with the London Wasps star at a secret location in London on Monday.

The 26-year-old told the RFU he would be withdrawing from the England squad to tour Australia this summer after the News of the World reported that he had admitted he had used and sold drugs before taking up rugby.

The tabloid newspaper also reported he had boasted of taking drugs at a party during the Lions' successful tour of South Africa.

Dallaglio "categorically denied" the principal claims in the News of the World that he had dealt in drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy.

In a statement he added that "the circumstances in which the supposed admissions were obtained amounted to an elaborate set-up".

But News of the World editor Phil Hall said: "We stand by our story. Lawrence Dallaglio is damned in his own words and frankly, we are amazed at his denial."

The RFU has launched an immediate investigation into the affair. Any disciplinary action against Dallaglio will be considered only when the inquiry has been completed, according to RFU chairman Brian Baister.

Dallaglio has provided the authorities with blood and urine samples and the RFU announced that every member of the touring party will also be tested for drugs.

England coach Clive Woodward, who was among the panel of six senior RFU figures who met Dallaglio, said he was "bitterly disappointed" for the player and his family but was confident he would be "proved innocent" by the investigation.

Leicester lock forward and British Lions skipper Martin Johnson has been appointed England captain until the end of the Rugby World Cup this autumn.

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