Dragons players under investigation from the NRL after alleged party at Paul Vaughan’s home

As many as twelve Dragons players are under investigation by the NRL and potentially NSW police after a party at Paul Vaughan’s home.

Channel Nine rugby league reporter Danny Weidler tweeted on Sunday morning about the potential incident. 

He claimed that at least six players are under investigation by the NRL but that number could be as many as 12. 

The alleged incident took place at Paul Vaughan’s home. 

“A large group of Dragons players are under investigation after a party at the home of Paul Vaughan,” Weidler said.

“NRL sources say 6 players – I’ve heard many more – closer to a dozen.”

Not long after, the Dragons confirmed that a number of players were under investigation after an “NRL biosecurity breach”. 

Their statement also confirmed that the party potentially breached the NSW government’s stay-at-home order. 

It means that players could be subject to sanctions by both the NRL and the NSW government. 

“St George Illawarra are aware of a New South Wales state government stay-at-home order and NRL biosecurity breach involving a number of players,” the Dragons said in a statement.

“The Dragons will not make comment at this time, while the investigation into the matter with the NRL Integrity Unit and NSW Police continues.”

Weidler gave more information about the incident speaking on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show. 

“It relates to a gathering at Paul Vaughan’s house on Saturday,” Weidler said on the Sunday Footy Show.

“Around 5 pm, I’ve been told a number of Dragons players – the NRL is telling me half a dozen – gathered for a party. I believe it could be more than that. 

“That is breaching the rules the NRL players are supposed to be under. Rules designed to keep the game going ahead. 

“The way the players may have got in trouble was via a noise complaint which was made to the police. 

“If that’s the case, these guys are putting the entire competition in jeopardy because they’re breaching the rules supposed to be in place. 

“It’s early days, so we can’t condemn them of yet. But for all the details I’m getting, the Dragons players have really stepped out of line. 

“If it’s 15 of them, it’s a massive issue. If it’s half a dozen, it’s a bad look. We’re going to find out in the coming hours.”

The Australian’s Brent Read is reporting that none of the as many as 12 players involved are the club’s State of Origin representatives. 

If the claims are found true, the players are likely to be hit with massive fines and potentially even suspensions. They may also be forced to isolate for 14 days away from the rest of their teammates. 

Sharks centre Josh Dugan was hit with a $25,000 fine after attending a dinner at a Potts Point venue while the NRL’s Apollo protocols were in place. 

The Dragons players can likely expect more than that if the claims are found to be true.

It’s not the first time that Paul Vaughan has been involved in a biosecurity breach. 

The former NSW prop came under fire after eating fire at a café while in the Dragons’ biosecurity bubble in 2020. 

He reportedly used a fake name to sign in the cafe and ate breakfast inside, something that was not allowed under the Project Apollo guidelines. 

He was forced to isolate for 14 days before linking up again with his Dragons teammates. 

More to come.