Rugby Captain's Career in Jeopardy Over Alleged Drug Use and Dealing

England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio's future in the sport is uncertain after he reportedly admitted to taking drugs on a British Lions tour in 1997 and claimed to have been a drug dealer before he became a professional rugby player. Dallaglio, 26, made the allegations to an investigator, stating that he and other players had taken ecstasy and cocaine during a party to celebrate their series win in South Africa. He also bragged about his past dealings in drugs, claiming to have made "big, big money" before turning to rugby.

Key Takeaways:

• Lawrence Dallaglio, England's rugby captain, is facing an investigation into allegations that he took drugs during a British Lions' tour in 1997 and was once a drug dealer.
• Dallaglio reportedly told an investigator that he and other players had taken ecstasy and cocaine during a party to celebrate their series win in South Africa.
• He also claimed to have bragged about his past dealings in drugs, stating that he made "big, big money" before turning to rugby.
• Dallaglio's agent, Ashley Woolfe, has stated that he will not issue a statement on behalf of his client until he has met with him.
• The Rugby Football Union has launched an investigation into the allegations and will be speaking to Dallaglio as soon as possible.
• Dallaglio's wife, Alice Corbett, and daughter have been taken away by him, and his mother, Eileen, has dismissed the allegations, stating that they are a "tissue of lies".
• Former England player, Paul Ackford, has stated that if the allegations are true, Dallaglio's position as captain is "untenable" and that he would be "condemned as a drug dealer and a person who has taken drugs".

Statistics:

• Dallaglio made $200,000 contract with London-based Wasps.
• The British Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 resulted in a series win.
• 51 people died in the Marchioness pleasure boat sinking on the Thames in 1989, including Dallaglio's sister Francesca.
• 1997 was the year Dallaglio became captain of the British Lions.
• Dallaglio has been England captain for several years.

Sources:

• News of the World article reporting allegations against Dallaglio
• RFU statement regarding the investigation
• Interview with Clive Woodward, England coach
• Interview with Fran Cotton, Lions tour manager and Team England chairman
• Statement from Dallaglio's agent, Ashley Woolfe
• Interview with Dallaglio's mother, Eileen
• Interview with Paul Ackford, former England player
• Interview with Nigel Melville, Dallaglio's coach at Wasps
• Interview with Jim Telfer, Scotland's director of rugby