The English Rugby Football Union's investigation into allegations surrounding England flanker Michael Lipman and two of his former Bath team-mates has been extended into next week.

Twickenham's disciplinary manager Bruce Reece-Russel launched his inquiry after Bath accused Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins of failing to take drug tests on three occasions following an end-of-season celebration in London.

All three players vehemently denied refusing to provide a sample and terminated their contracts on June 1st, immediately before they were due to appear before a Bath disciplinary hearing.

The RFU are investigating the matter before deciding whether the players have a case to answer under Rule 5.12 - conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.

Reece-Russel had initially planned to reveal his findings on Monday but he has not been able to complete all the interviews required to ensure the investigation is "exhaustive and thorough".

The RFU confirmed today that Reece-Russel's team had reviewed all of the documentation supplied, as requested, by Bath and had spoken with witnesses from the club's management and playing staff.

The process has been delayed because a number of key witnesses have been away on holiday but the RFU will conduct the outstanding interviews this week.

Reece-Russel expects to be in a position to provide an update next Wednesday, June 17th.

"The RFU is committed to gaining a full and fair understanding of the alleged events so that we can decide if there is a case to answer and it is therefore important we take the time required to do this properly," he said.

"That means meeting face to face with players, club management and other third parties to get their recorded statements.

"This is a complex and delicate investigation and whilst we are mindful of the importance of a speedy resolution, we are also conscious of the need to be thorough."