WORCESTERSHIRE ALL-ROUNDER CHARGED WITH RAPE

The club have confirmed that Alex Hepburn will appear in court in December. The allegations against Hepburn relate to an incident which it is claimed took place in April.

Worcestershire have confirmed that 21-year-old all-rounder Alex Hepburn has been charged with two counts of rape.

The allegations against Hepburn relate to an incident which it is claimed took place in April.

He has been suspended on full pay and will appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on December 7.

Meanwhile, the club also confirmed that director of cricket Steve Rhodes is the subject of a "disciplinary matter". 

ESPNCricinfo reported earlier on Wednesday that Rhodes has been put on leave by the county for "failing to report the player's arrest in a timely fashion".

He had been due to lead the England Under 19 side at the World Cup in the new year but the ECB confirmed that he has been taken off duty and replaced by Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson.

^{Director of cricket Steve Rhodes is the subject of a disciplinary matter at New Road}

"The ECB can confirm Steve Rhodes will not be travelling to South Africa as head coach to the Young Lions on secondment from Worcestershire," an ECB spokesman told ESPNCricinfo.

Worcestershire's statement read: “Worcestershire CCC can confirm that Alex Hepburn was charged on the 9th November with two counts of rape following an investigation by West Mercia Police into an incident which occurred on Saturday 1st April 2017. 

"Hepburn has been suspended on full pay pending further investigation and will next appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on 7th December 2017. 

"As the matter is now subject to criminal proceedings the club is unable to provide any further comment at this stage."

A further statement relating to Rhodes read: "WCCC can confirm they are currently dealing with a disciplinary matter involving Steve Rhodes and relates solely to his role as director of cricket. 

"The matter is ongoing so at this time there will be no further comment."

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