NRL: Dragons forward Paul Vaughan to self-isolate for two weeks after COVID breach

An NRL star has been stood down and forced into two weeks of isolation after breaching the league’s strict COVID-19 protocols.

Dragons star forward Paul Vaughan has been stood down by the NRL after he breached the league’s strict coronavirus protocols.

St George Illawarra Dragons star forward Paul Vaughan has been stood down for two weeks after he breached the NRL’s strict COVID-19 protocols on Thursday.

As first reported by Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, Vaughan was under investigation by the NRL after he ate breakfast at a cafe in Illawarra.

Vaughan will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after the breach, and will therefore not be available for selection until round 15.

The 29-year-old was scheduled to feature in Thursday evening’s round 13 fixture against the Sydney Roosters, but will not be available for the next two rounds of the NRL premiership.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

The Dragons released a short statement confirming Vaughan’s error: “The Dragons are disappointed with Vaughan’s conduct and are working with the NRL and Project Apollo to determine his availability for the Dragons’ Round 13 clash against the Sydney Roosters.”

Despite some reports Vaughan used a fake name to sign into the cafe, Weidler confirmed the Dragons player had neglected to sign into the cafe altogether.

Vaughan released a statement soon after he was officially stood down.

“I am very remorseful for the reckless and selfish decision I have made,” Vaughan said.

“Everyone within the Dragons’ bubble, including myself, are well aware of the protocols in place. I’m sorry for the harm my actions have caused to the club and my teammates.”

Paul Vaughan looks on during the round 12 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb also released a statement.

“Paul is one of our most experienced players and we are upset with his judgement in breaking the NRL’s Covid-19 biosecurity protocols,” Webb said.

“Not only has he let the playing group and the entirety of our hard-working staff down but also our Red V members, partners and fans.

“Paul has been placed on a Covid hold by the NRL which involves two weeks of isolation and mandatory COVID-19 testing. Further club sanctions are also not out of question.”

Along with Vaughan, Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga was investigated by the NRL after a photo of him at a Japanese restaurant came to light. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing after it was announced he was just grabbing takeaway from the restaurant.

UPDATE: NRL Ponga cleared of any bubble breach. He was getting takeaway and his time in restaurant with teammates was just waiting for food. https://t.co/bwH3KwyC2u

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) August 6, 2020

Hours earlier, veteran NRL coach Wayne Bennett broke the league’s coronavirus rules by dining at an Italian restaurant in Sydney’s inner-west on Wednesday.

Bennett claimed he didn’t know he was breaching the NRL’s strict protocols, which ban players and coaches from visiting public places.

The Daily Telegraph reported the South Sydney Rabbitohs coach will miss this Friday’s grudge match against the Brisbane Broncos.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys blasted Bennett and Vaughan on Thursday afternoon: “They should know better ... They are jeopardising their own futures for the next two seasons and they’re jeopardising future generations of the game of rugby league.”

Vaughan has played 72 NRL matches for the Dragons since he signed for the club in 2017. He represented the New South Wales Blues during the 2018 and 2019 State of Origin series and played two Tests for Australia last year.