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14 November 2014 thegryphon.co.uk
Controversial rugby society social causes chaos • • Headingley Taps ‘trashed’
‘They act like they’re untouchable’
Jasmine Andersson EXCLUSIVE
Editor-In-Chief
Members of Leeds University Union’s Rugby Union society have taken part in a controversial social that saw them cause havoc across the city. An army gear-clad group of the society’s members took part in an Otley Run on Wednesday night, which saw them ‘cover’ the Headingley Taps in eggs, smash a window of Storm Jameson halls, and excrete in front of Charles Morris residences. A manager of The Headingley Taps said: ‘They trashed the place. ‘They were fine when they were getting their drinks, but once they got what they wanted, they turned. ‘They began jumping up and down on furniture, and some tried to rip down our licensing signs. I told them off, and they just ignored everything I said. ‘By the end of it, the walls were coated in egg. They had thrown them. The cartons were left on the floor for the staff to pick up.’ Concerned by the group’s behaviour, the public house rang other bars in the area to warn them of their antics. The Original Oak also served the society members, saying that they ‘did what they wanted.’
One staff member said: ’We’ve dealt with their behaviour before, and we’re one of the only places that will. They don’t have any common courtesy. They constantly try to urinate in our pint glasses, and leave us to clean it up. It’s beyond a joke. ‘They act like they’re untouchable. No other society behaves like that here. I have not once heard them say thank you. They don’t understand that we’re actually doing them the favour.’ The sportsmen then proceeded to set off several smoke bombs in Devonshire Halls, resulting in several fire alarms ringing around the site. Devonshire’s warden, Darron Dixon-Hardy, said: ‘The incident that happened was dealt with by the duty Sub-Warden and Night Porters and I am acting on their reports to ensure a proper investigation can take place and the correct action taken.’ Reportedly leaving a trail off eggs in the Hyde Park corner area, the group later emerged on campus, defecating in front of Charles Morris Halls. One member of the party then broke a window on the seventh floor of the Storm Jameson residences, leading him to sever his achilles tendon to the bone. The person in question is currently hos-
Storm Jameson Halls
Photo: Anna Lawson
pitalised. Charles Morris Halls refused to comment on the incident. The society is also under fire for their recent conduct at Varsity, which saw some members throw drinks at international students as they tried to enter part of the stadium, leading them to run off after some of the group chanted ‘no girls allowed’. It has been reported that the society’s behaviour is under strict review. Allegedly, the group’s conduct will be reassessed over the Christmas period.