Ben Cockayne, Scholarship Head Coach at Hull Kingston Rovers, has been fined £2,000 for repeated breaches of the RFL’s social media, safeguarding and Covid-19 policies.
During 2020 and 2021 Cockayne has used Twitter to voice controversial views about the virus and related testing and vaccine arrangements – views considered incompatible with his responsibility for the development and welfare of young Rugby League players.
Cockayne had previously been warned that such conduct was prejudicial to the interests of the game and fined £1,000, with £500 suspended. The latest fine includes this suspended amount.
Any further transgressions will be referred to an Operational Rules Tribunal and to the RFL’s safeguarding case management group for consideration of his suitability to work with children and young people.