THE Illawarra District Rugby Union is investigating a bizarre complaint about a player allegedly urinating in his shorts to put off would-be tacklers.
The Vikings Rugby club sent a letter to the IDRU this week requesting action be taken against a centre from rival club Avondale after suspicions he relieved himself either before or during their game last weekend.
The letter was accompanied by a photograph - subsequently leaked to The Daily Telegraph - which purports to show an incriminating stain on the player's shorts.
"It is either evidence that the player has urinated in his shorts immediately prior to the commencement of the game, or has applied some liquid to that area of his shorts so as to provide the same inference," Vikings president Mark McDonald wrote.
"Either way, such conduct is contrary to the spirit of the game and in contravention of items 8 and 9 of the IDRU Code of Conduct."
It is understood the player facing the allegation was the subject of an identical complaint last season, but didn't face a judicial process after undertakings were given by Avondale to stamp it out. Rivals allege the player urinates to dissuade people from tackling him.
IDRU president Peter Woods confirmed an inquiry was underway. IDRU officials met with Avondale officials and the player last night.
"There has been a complaint made arising out of last week's round. A small committee has been set up within 48 hours and they are meeting with club representatives tonight to discuss the allegation before anything is going to be put to the board," Mr Woods said.
The IDRU committee will compile a report for the board and a decision will then be made whether the player will face the judiciary
Avondale secretary Peter Brace said that he was aware of the complaint.
"We are having a meeting tonight to discuss it so I am not prepared to comment about that," Mr Brace said.
