Wasps investigate

Wasps yesterday announced their own internal investigation into fresh drug-taking allegations made against Lawrence Dallaglio.

Two bar staff alleged in a Sunday newspaper that they witnessed the former England captain snorting cocaine, but Wasps say they have found no evidence to support the claims.

Dallaglio has branded the allegations in the Mail on Sunday as "outrageous lies" and is contemplating legal action.

Wasps chief executive Simon Crane, who is leading the club's investigation, said: "To date it is quite clear from those we have spoken to and including some third parties that they did not witness any illegal activity involving drugs."

The claims centred around a Wasps party at `Harvey's Bar' in south-west London five weeks ago.

But Wasps claim the two people making the allegations, a man and a woman, gave different names to the newspaper to the ones they were known by at the bar, and left their jobs at Harvey's before the article was published.

Wasps flanker Dallaglio's future in the game is already in the balance following claims in a the News of the World three weeks ago about drug taking and dealing.

The fate of Dallaglio, who denies the News of the World allegations, is being decided by a three-man Rugby Football Union panel.

Wasps are speaking to all players and club officials who were at the party, and will send their findings to the RFU inquiry.

Crane added: "Harvey's bar have informed us that (the two bar staff) left their employment and accommodation over the prior to the publication of Sunday's article.

"London Wasps RFC take this matter extremely seriously. We have been co-operating with the RFU inquiry and remain committed to doing so."

The Rugby Football Union have refused to comment on the fresh allegations.