Dallaglio's full of praise after rugby review

Lawrence Dallaglio insists rugby union is in "great shape" despite a summer of scandal.

The former England captain is part of a 13-man Rugby Football Union task force which was set up in response to incidents, such as the Bloodgate affair at Harlequins and the suspension of five Bath players for drug-related issues.

The Image of the Game task group has conducted a review of all areas of the sport with every professional player in England being sent a questionnaire asking them to unmask any cheating.

Whistleblowers were offered immunity from disciplinary action so that the depth of the sport's problems could be revealed.

The group will reveal its initial findings at Twickenham this afternoon and Dallaglio says feedback from all levels has been "phenomenal".

"The whole review has been conducted in about 30 days and I would argue that 99.9 per cent of rugby is in great shape," said the former London Wasps player.

"The response has been overwhelming - particularly from the wider public - about what they feel about the game, good and bad. It's still a sport people admire.

"What this report is about is us learning the lessons from anything that has happened in rugby and taking it forward. And I think we are doing that."

Meanwhile, Wasps are still waiting to discover if flanker Tom Rees needs further shoulder surgery and when lock Simon Shaw can start playing again after his metatarsal injury.