England rugby league star Victor Radley was allegedly involved in the punch-up with Ireland's James Bentley after the country's World Cup golden-point semi-final defeat to Samoa.
Radley was part of England's squad in their narrow 27-26 defeat and returned to the team's Manchester hotel. Leeds Super League forward Bentley is believed to have been invited back to the hotel by a member of the England camp resulting in the alleged fight.
Bentley, who was born and raised in Leeds, qualifies to play for Ireland through his mother’s side of the family, who are from Northern Ireland. Ireland were knocked out in the group stages and Bentley was reportedly angry at being snubbed from the England set-up.
Bentley was allegedly abusing England coach Shaun Wane with Sydney Roosters player Radley sticking up for his boss resulting in the punch-up, according to a tweet from Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas. A spokesman for the Rugby Football League (RFL) said: "The RFL have been made aware of allegations and are currently investigating the matter."
The Australian newspaper also reported that England Rugby League officials threatened to call the police if Bentley failed to leave the England hotel.
The Sydney Morning Herald further alleged that Samoa’s players, who were staying at the same hotel as England, were woken up by their opposition knocking on the doors of their rooms. The Samoan team have reportedly complained about the incident, which happened at 1.30am.
“The Rugby League World Cup is aware of reported incidents and is in conversation with the respective parties to establish the circumstances,” a Rugby League World Cup 2021 spokesperson said. “There will be no further comment at this time.”
Samoa will play Australia in Saturday's men's World Cup final at Old Trafford, with the Aussies also in action against New Zealand in the women's final. That follows Friday's wheelchair final which will see hosts England take on France.
