Victor Radley cleared by RFL following James Bentley clash

James Gordon
England forward Victor Radley will feature in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals

Photo: News Images

England international Victor Radley has been cleared of any wrong-doing following an incident involving Leeds back-rower James Bentley.

Radley, 24, reportedly exchanged blows with the former St Helens man in the aftermath of England’s World Cup exit to Samoa.

That prompted an RFL investigation, with the NRL Integrity Unit also promising its own inquiry.

But an RFL statement said: “An RFL investigation has exonerated England forward Victor Radley of any blame for an incident which took place following his side’s exit from the Rugby League World Cup in November.

“The compliance investigation, requested by RLWC, involved interviews with a number of eyewitnesses as well as those directly involved. The investigator found a non-England player to have behaved inappropriately and an England player to have acted in self-defence. No members of the England squad were at fault.

“The RFL Board has determined that no further action should be taken – and these findings have been shared with all relevant Rugby League bodies.”

The incident was said to have taken place at England’s base during the World Cup, the Worsley Park hotel.

While the domestic based players had largely departed, the NRL contingent had remained at the hotel and Bentley was understood to be visiting friends in the squad.

Bentley has been no stranger to controversy in 2022, having sat out eight matches through suspension following three separate incidents.

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