Following the statement we issued earlier this week, regarding the article published on the Barnsley Chronicle website, we are now in a position to provide an update.

During the course of the last 48 hours, Dearne Valley RUFC has been in communication with both the Barnsley Chronicle and Barnsley RUFC.

Yesterday evening, the Barnsley Chronicle posted a retraction and apology at the start of the original article posted on their website. Likewise, Barnsley RUFC and their Head Coach have today issued a full retraction and apology for the inaccurate statements.

We would like to thank the Barnsley Chronicle, Barnsley RUFC and the Barnsley Head Coach for the swift and professional manner in which they have dealt with this issue.

We would particularly like to thank the Barnsley RUFC Chairman for the proactive way he has worked with us to find a speedy and positive resolution.

There have been lessons learnt by all involved, included ourselves, and if nothing else this incident has highlighted to the wider Rugby community the potential issues caused by unmanaged PR and social media activity.

The matter has now been fully resolved and Dearne Valley RUFC will be taking no further action so that all parties can now move forward.

We look forward to continuing to build proactive and long lasting relationships with both the Barnsley Chronicle and our close neighbours, Barnsley RUFC.

Dearne Valley RUFC will make no further comment on this matter.