The RFU have warned England players that they could be banned from playing for the national side if they are found guilty of misconduct during their World Cup campaign.

Allegations of off-the-field antics within the England squad have caused the RFU to launch an investigation which could result in a substantial punishment.

"On Monday I spoke to Karena Vleck, the legal officer, and she will be investigating all the allegations of misconduct off the field and she will be dealing with those over the next two weeks," said chief executive Martyn Thomas.

"She will deal with issues in relation to breach of the elite player squad agreement and indeed, in fact, in terms of the code of conduct we put in. The appropriate action will be taken against those players."

The investigation is expected to be carried out over the next two weeks.