With the Barbarians annual fixture in jeopardy after 12 players broke Covid protocols in going for a meal on Wednesday night, Alan Quinlan has condemned their "disgraceful" behaviour.
Twelve players have been banished from the Barbarians squad ahead of this weekend's scheduled game against England at Twickenham.
Former England captain Chris Robshaw was among a group found to have gone for an unauthorised meal on Wednesday night. Breaking strict Covid-19 protocols in the process, the famous fixture is now in doubt.
"I think it is a disgrace what happened," stated former Irish international Alan Quinlan on Friday's OTB AM.
"It is is absolutely ludicrous for them to make a decision as adults and paid professionals to go out like this given everything that's going on.
"They've been kicked out of the Barbarians now and the whole match is in jeopardy."
Along with Robshaw, the Guardian newspaper reported that a number of the squad's Saracens contingent, including the likes of Richard Wigglesworth, Sean Maitland and Jackson Wray, were among the 12 players present.
While it has been strenuously denied that any heavy drinking took place during the event in question, Quinlan was nevertheless concerned with the message their behaviour sent out.
"Forget the bloody match against England," the former Barbarian stated, "it is the message they have sent out across the world. 'We can do [what we want].'
"This is such stupidity and I think it is a disgrace what they've done and I'd be infuriated if I was in that Barbarians squad or England squad that they've jeopardised the game."
Harlequins' Chris Robshaw before the Gallagher Premiership match at Twickenham Stoop, London.A former Barbarian, Alan Quinlan is familiar with the usual attitude that surrounds this annual fixture.
"I played for the Baa-Baas in 2010 I think," he explained, "and the tradition is that you go out and have a meal every night, a few drinks and it is a totally relaxed week.
"The reality is that it is totally different this time and I'm sure they were told that. Have a few beers in the hotel bar if they have to do something.
"For that number of paid professionals to go out is an absolute disgrace and they should be held accountable for it."
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