Sorry Craig Chalmers fears for coaching career after night in the cells

THE Scottish Rugby Union is to investigate an incident at the weekend which led to former international Craig Chalmers spending the night in police custody and being fined £60.

Chalmers, pictured, who coaches Melrose and the Scotland Under-20 team, offered an unreserved apology yesterday and is understood to be concerned his actions at a party which followed the Melrose Sevens on Saturday may have jeopardised his coaching career. A senior member of the SRU staff will speak to the 41-year-old and to Melrose officials before any further action is taken.

Melrose issued a swift warning to Chalmers that any repeat would not be tolerated.

"Scottish Rugby is concerned by press reports in respect of Craig Chalmers," the SRU statement said. "We will be looking into the matter both with Melrose RFC and Craig. Scottish Rugby expects all its sporting ambassadors to hold the ethos and values of the sport in the highest regard."

Chalmers was arrested after a dispute involving door staff at the party on Saturday night. Police were called when he complained about being made to queue. He spent the night in cells in Hawick and was fined the next morning. "I deeply regret having been involved in an incident late on Saturday evening," the 41-year-old said yesterday.

"I apologise for any embarrassment I have caused to those around me and to the game of rugby. I fully realise this is something that should not happen and my actions were unacceptable. I once more apologise to everyone involved."

A statement from Melrose implicitly contradicted a report that Chalmers had been "drinking all day", pointing out that he had been in charge of his team for the duration of the tournament, which ended in the early evening. The club added, however, that he had been warned about his behaviour.

"Melrose RFC are fully aware of an incident late on Saturday evening involving our head coach, Craig Chalmers," the statement read. "Craig and his Melrose team had a pasta lunch in our sevens hospitality at mid-day for a period of 30 minutes. Craig then continued with team affairs until the completion of the tournament.

"Later in the evening, an incident occurred outside the public 'after party' held in the Gibson Park.

"Craig has been reminded that his role within the club requires a level of responsibility that cannot be compromised and that any repeat of such an incident would be unacceptable."