An unnamed Sydney rugby league club has released a letter to its parents and players addressing allegations of sexual assault involving three 17-year-old boys connected to the organization. The three teenagers are accused of the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Sydney's Macarthur region on August 15.
One of the accused boys remains in custody, while the other two have been granted bail and are scheduled to reappear in children's court next month. The boys face multiple charges, including aggravated sexual assault in the company of others and sexual intercourse without consent. The specific charges vary for each individual.
The club, which cannot be named for legal reasons, stated in its letter that it had been made aware that NSW Police are investigating and have charged three young men. "As a club, we express our deepest thoughts for the young woman who is the victim in these sexual assault allegations and her family," the letter read. "Any abuse or violence against any other person, especially women is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as a club, the community we represent or the values we stand for."
The club emphasized its commitment to a culture of respect, safety, accountability, and integrity, stating it takes a firm stance against violence, abuse, or criminal activity. The letter also urged players and families to refrain from commenting publicly on the ongoing investigation, advising them to report any derogatory comments to club officials or ground managers.
Two of the accused boys attend St Gregory's College, a private boys' school in Campbelltown, while the third attends Elderslie High School. The principal of St Gregory's College has confirmed that disciplinary action, including suspension, has been initiated against the two students involved, in accordance with the school's policy on serious criminal behavior.
Authorities are also investigating reports of underage drinking at the Plough and Harrow Hotel in Camden, which reportedly hosted a function for a sporting club on the day of the alleged incident. Liquor and Gaming NSW is cooperating with the police investigation. The hotel has declined to comment on the matter.
Police allege that the underage boys attended a local football match before drinking with the girl at a pub. They further allege that when the girl decided to leave feeling unwell, two boys initially accompanied her, and a third later joined them, leading to the alleged assault. The court heard that the two boys granted bail were nearing their Higher School Certificate examinations.