The England rugby union captain is embroiled in a scandal that threatens to heap further disgrace on British sport.

Until yesterday, Lawrence Dallaglio was considered a golden boy of the game. His leadership on the pitch and his propriety off it had led many to hail him as the epitome of the modern professional.

But now that reputation is in shreds. He stands accused of being a drug taker and a former drug dealer.

If true, this will be a blow to youngsters who sought to emulate Mr Dallaglio. It will also rock the rugby union establishment, which believed the England captain had restored respectability to a post that predecessor Will Carling had discredited.

A swift and decisive investigation by the sport's governing body is needed if the game is going to recover from this latest mess.

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