London Broncos’ full-back Richard Mathers has been suspended from all Rugby League activity for six months. The ban was announced in a statement by the Rugby Football League (RFL), which said that he had been ‘found guilty of breaching the sport’s rules relating to betting.’ The RFL said that an independent tribunal had found Mathers ‘guilty of providing inside information on his club’s playing strengths and pre-match preparations, and of encouraging other people to bet on the outcome of a match using the social media messaging application, Whatsapp.’

The London Broncos issued the same RFL statement, adding that it ‘will be making no further comment on this matter at the current time’. Richard Mathers, issued a statement on his Twitter account, which read: ‘I totally refute the RFL tribunal decision. I want to make absolutely clear I have never had any involvement in betting or encouraging betting by providing inside information within Rugby League. I am currently considering various legal avenues and have no further comment to make at this time. An official announcement will follow in due course.’

The RFL allege that Mathers was in breach of three RFL Operational Rules under E16:3:1 ‘Misconduct Offences involving Betting or Related Activity’ in relation to a fixture between London Broncos and Leigh Centurions on 20 March 2015. The first rule, 3.1.3.1, relates using in relation to betting to any information that a player might have in his possession by virtue of his position within the sport and that is not in the public domain. Mathers is further accused of breaching rule 3.1.3.3, relating to encouraging others to the misuse of privileged information. Finally Mathers, under rule 3.3, is deemed to be held directly responsible for any acts or omissions relating to others misusing that privileged information within his knowledge, or who he had helped.

The RFL continued that, in handing down its decision, the tribunal ‘took into account Mr Mathers’ positive good character, the fact that he did not place any bets himself or profit from his position, and the impact the offence has had on his career.’ The suspension runs from July 28, 2015 until January 28, 2016.