Former England prop Jeff Probyn dismissed the idea on Tuesday that Martin Johnson should implement a get-tough policy with England players over post-match celebrations and fraternising with the opposite sex.

"Martin Johnson used to go out on the town just like everyone else. Will he suddenly turn into a headmaster overnight?" asked Probyn, a member of the England team that reached the 1991 World Cup final. "Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Carling almost ruined their careers and look at what they became - stalwarts of the game. It happened during Sir Clive Woodward's era - after games Clive used to take the boys to the nightclub himself in a coach.

"Many of the players are single so why can't they meet a girl and take them back to their room? People need to get a sense of proportion on this issue. It's not like the team got drunk 24 hours before a match.

"Players need a release, but it's up to individuals to be adult enough to control themselves."

Probyn's comments came on the day one English newspaper named four England players allegedly involved in a sexual incident at the team hotel in Auckland earlier this month although the New Zealand woman involved has still failed to lodge a formal complaint.

A new code of conduct is being drawn up for England players, in conjunction with the Professional Rugby Players' Association, which is likely to include a ban on taking women back to the team hotel.