Tindall appeal is moved to secret location

The Rugby Football Union yesterday moved England World Cup player Mike Tindall’s appeal hearing to a secret location away from Twickenham and said there will be no verdict announced until at least today.

Tindall is appealing against the RFU’s decision to fine him £25,000 for his conduct relating to a drunken night out in Queenstown during the World Cup in New Zealand.

The 33-year-old was also dropped from the England squad following an RFU investigation, conducted by elite rugby director Rob Andrew and legal officer Karena Vleck.

Tindall was among a group of players who went out for drinks after being given the night off and was captured on CCTV footage from the Altitude Bar in conversation with a woman. The Gloucester centre later issued an apology for misleading the England management over his movements that night, having initially claimed he did not go on to another bar.

The Rugby Players’ Association described Tindall’s fine, which was handed down by the RFU as “extraordinary” and “unprecendented”.

Tindall’s appeal is being heard by the RFU’s acting chief executive, Martyn Thomas.