Rugby pitch damaged by vandals

VANDALS attacked The Henley College’s playing fields used by its elite rugby players.

A section of a pitch off Tilebarn Close was left burned by a bonfire and the rugby posts were bent during the attack on Thursday night last week.

The damage was discovered the next day and empty beer cans were found nearby.

Police are investigating after the college reported the incident.

Tristan Arnison, head of the humanities faculty at the college, said: “There was a very small bonfire.

“The damage is now being solved by the our grounds contractor. This was a misuse of our property, although it was very minor damage.”

Mr Arnison said the incident had not affected the college’s elite rugby programme, which is run in conjunction with the London Wasps academy.

The two-year scheme is for aspiring elite rugby players and combines player development and academic study.

Mr Arnison said: “It has not meant any changes to the early season training.

“The squad train at Henley Rugby Club, so there have been no changes to their pre-season.

“We are looking at future ways of making the playing fields more secure.”