Foden arrested after altercation

Rugby:England international Ben Foden has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in the early hours of Monday morning, it emerged on Tuesday.

The Northampton fullback, 25, was allegedly involved in an altercation while out celebrating Sunday's Aviva Premiership win over Wasps in central London.

Foden and a 23-year-old man were detained overnight before being bailed pending further enquiries on Monday. They both must report to a police station early next month.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of an altercation in Old Park Lane at approximately 3.30am on Monday, March 28th.

"A 25-year-old man has been arrested for criminal damage. A 23-year-old man has been arrested for theft. Both were taken to a central London police station and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries to a date in early April."

Northampton have refused to comment on the matter but the Rugby Football Union announced that they would look into the alleged incident before deciding whether to open their own disciplinary proceedings against the Chester-born back.

An RFU spokesman said: "We are aware of the allegations but at the current time this is a matter for the player and his club and we are working with them to understand the facts of the situation.

"We will wait to see the outcome of any police investigation before deciding if further action is required."

Foden's representatives were unavailable for comment when contacted.

The former Sale Sharks man has become a regular at 15 for England over the last 12 months and played all five games of this year's victorious Six Nations campaign.

He scored the only try in England's 17-9 victory over France at Twickenham last month and has 15 caps to his name.