Four former Bath players have been ordered to face an RFU disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.
England flanker Michael Lipman and three of his former Bath team-mates must face the charge following the controversy at The Recreation Ground club earlier this month.
Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins were accused by the Guinness Premiership side of failing to provide samples for drug tests on three occasions following an end-of-season celebration in London. Justin Harrison, meanwhile, also left the club after lurid allegations towards him emerged from the same evening.
With the drug test-accused trio stringently denying any wrongdoing and terminating their contracts before they could face a Bath hearing, the RFU looked into the matter, with Twickenham's disciplinary manager Bruce Reece-Russel launching an inquiry.
That initial probe has now concluded, with the RFU releasing a statement on Wednesday that read: “The RFU, and our partners at Premier Rugby, work tirelessly to ensure the reputation of the game is protected.
"The RFU have now completed their initial investigations into the allegations made against former Bath players Justin Harrison, Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins.
"We can confirm we will be asking the players to appear before an RFU disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Game [rule 5.12] on a number of charges including taking prohibited substances and wilful refusal to take a drugs test.
"All details of the investigation now form part of the disciplinary process and to protect the integrity of the process will remain confidential.
"The RFU will make a further announcement when the panel has been convened and a date has been set but can confirm we intend to call a number of players, club management and other third parties to appear before the panel to support the case."
Bath chief-executive Bob Calleja, later issued a statement, saying: “The RFU has issued a statement that four former Bath Rugby players: Justin Harrison, Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins, will be required to appear before an RFU disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game under Rule 5.12. This will involve a number of charges including 'taking prohibited substances and wilful refusal to take a drugs test.
"The club treats matters relating to drugs very seriously and we are perfectly satisfied that we acted correctly in requiring the players to explain themselves at an internal disciplinary hearing. They chose not to do so and, so far as we are concerned, our internal process is at an end, the players no longer being employed by the club.
"It would be inappropriate for the club to make any further comment until the RFU disciplinary process is concluded."