Huddersfield Giants abandon camp to escape ‘rape’ furore

Jan 22 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD Giants cut short their Newcastle training camp yesterday following the rape claims that have rocked their pre-season preparation.

The squad had planned to spend a fourth day being put through their paces at their base at Gosforth Park as they get into shape for the imminent return of Super League.

But, in a bid to avoid an anticipated media scrum, the team bus returned yesterday morning from the Marriott Hotel in Gosforth, where they had been staying, and was back in Huddersfield by lunchtime.

Under orders from top brass, players and coaching staff immediately went to ground, cutting off all communication with media.

The club refused to add to previous statements that they were helping Northumbria Police with their investigation.

All six unnamed players who were arrested on Tuesday night remain on bail pending further enquiries and will be free to play in the Giants’ two remaining pre-season outings – against Barrow on Sunday and Castleford two days later.

Their first game of Super League season is at home to Bradford Bulls on Friday, February 5.

A 22-year-old woman from Tyneside made the rape allegations following an incident in Gosforth in the early hours of January Tuesday.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “The six men arrested remain on bail. Enquiries are ongoing.”