BOSSES at a leading Merseyside rugby club are investigating claims their players were secretly offered thousands of pounds to play for them.
Caldy RFC has suspended one of its members amid allegations a fan privately offered the players cash which never materialised.
A spokesman for the club said officials only learned of the claims when players complained they had not been paid the money promised.
The 10 first-team players reportedly told bosses they each accepted a cash deal to play for the team, based in Thurstaston, Wirral.
One player claimed he was offered more than £10,000 in retainers, appearance fees and performance bonuses.
The players claim they were each offered a side contract with a private company.
They said the contracts – including the strict secrecy clause – were arranged through a member of the club.
The club said eight of the 10 players claimed they were offered the deals before they joined the side.
Caldy RFC is currently sitting at the top of the sport’s National Two North division.
