Bailey - regarded as a promising front rower

Chev Walker and Ryan Bailey, both members of the Great Britain squad for this autumn's Ashes series, have been sent to young offenders institutions for their involvement in a city centre brawl.

Walker, 20, was sentenced to 18 months whilst team-mate Bailey, 19, was given nine months' detention after an incident outside a Leeds nightclub in July last year.

Rochdale Hornets player Paul Owen, 24, was jailed for 15 months for his involvement whilst another Leeds player, Dwayne Barker, 19, was ordered to do 150 hours of community service.

"The club naturally views the whole episode extremely seriously," said Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington.

"It is a first experience for the club and it has been a 12-month ordeal for everyone concerned.

"The players are ashamed of their involvement and are full of remorse.

We will continue to give our support but also we will invoke our own internal disciplinary procedure Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington

"Their actions were out of character. All have been at the club from the age of 15 and had an unblemished record.

"They have made a mistake and this has been punished by the courts.

"We will continue to give our support but also we will invoke our own internal disciplinary procedure."

In a statement the Rugby Football League said the players would not face further punishment when their sentences had been served.

"The RFL notes the sentences given to four professional players in Leeds," the statement read.

"The RFL views this as a matter that has been dealt with by the courts.

"When the players concerned once again become available for selection for representative teams they will be considered - as is the case for all eligible players - on the basis of merit and form."