We are aware of an article which was published by the Barnsley Chronicle on Tuesday 25th March, which contained defamatory comments levelled against Dearne Valley RUFC. Within the article the Barnsley RUFC Head Coach makes unfounded accusations that Dearne Valley RUFC pays its players.

These allegations have potentially serious implications for our players and the club, which could cause serious harm and damages.

Our players may be put under HMRC investigation for alleged untaxed earnings and the club may be at risk of losing its charity status with the charity commission. Not to mention the reputational damage these comments have undoubtably had, and the potential for the loss of sponsorship and other income.

Dearne Valley RUFC operates strictly within the RFU guidance and regulations on amateur rugby and does not pay ANY of its players under any sort of agreement.

The club prides itself on being a values led organisation that puts creating a positive welcoming environment as its primary priority. We believe that we have a responsibility to promote the positive aspects of grassroots Rugby Union and to go about our business in the right way, which has been the catalyst for our success. It is also our responsibility to protect the reputation of the club and more importantly, our players.

We will be communicating with the Barnsley Chronicle and Barnsley RUFC over the coming days and will be requesting that full public retractions are issued. In the event that these are not forthcoming, we will instigate legal proceedings.

The club is deeply saddened that the hard work, dedication and commitment of the committee, coaches and players has been undermined by these defamatory comments by the Barnsley RUFC Head Coach and that the Barnsley Chronicle has failed in its responsibility to fact check before publishing such statements.

Dearne Valley RUFC will be making no further comment on the matter until a resolution has been reached.