A STRICTER disciplinary code is top of England manager Martin Johnson's agenda after two players, Harlequins fullback Mike Brown and London Irish winger Topsy Ojo, were fined and given misconduct reprimands for their behaviour on the national side's blighted tour to New Zealand.

Brown was fined £1000 ($2060) and Ojo £500. Rugby Football Union disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett cleared two other Harlequins players, scrum-half Danny Care and wing David Strettle, of any wrongdoing during events that followed England's defeat in the first Test in Auckland. Strettle was warned of the dangers of putting himself in compromising positions.

In essence, Brown and Ojo have had their knuckles rapped for staying out late and, in Brown's case, missing a physiotherapy appointment. In a report running to more than 7000 words, Blackett could find not a shred of credible evidence to gainsay the players' vehement denials that they had been involved in behaviour which might be construed as serious sexual assault or rape.

But Blackett said the image of the game had been tarnished by the initial allegations and "inaccurate and speculative reporting of what may have occurred".

New manager Johnson has already said tightening team protocol will be a priority.

Blackett recommended "at a very minimum" that a future code of conduct should "warn players to avoid potentially compromising situations which may become public; prohibit players from bringing unknown guests back to team hotels [without management approval]; set limits on the amount of alcohol a player may drink; and make clear the limits of post-match entertainment".

The Telegraph, London