Alloa rugby club president who allegedly made 'rape joke' at Musselburgh RFC dinner banned
Alan Stewart made a speech at a club dinner hosted by Musselburgh RFC which allegedly contained homophobic and racist content
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has sanctioned a club president after he allegedly made a rape joke during a dinner speech.
Alan Stewart, president of Alloa RFC, allegedly made the comment during the speech at Musselburgh RFC on April 18.
His remarks, which reportedly included “racist, homophobic and sexlist language, prompted multiple complaints to Musselburgh RFC with reports that several women were left in tears.
The moment sparked controversy, with Musselburgh’s women’s team head coach James Ferguson resigning and labelling Mr Stewart’s alleged words “atrocious”.
Following an investigation by Scottish Rugby, the governing body has today (June 9) announced a number of sanctions have been taken against Mr Stewart in the fallout on the controversy.
Among these sanctions include Mr Stewart being banned from attending any matches or match venue for the next year as well as an suspension on holding any club role in Scotland over the same period.
He has also been instructed to attend equality, diversity and inclusion training.
In a statement, Scottish Rugby said: “Scottish Rugby has today published details of the sanctions applied by an Independent Discipline Committee following complaints made to us about Mr Alan Stewart (President of Alloa RFC), following his speech at a dinner at Musselburgh RFC on 18 April 2026.
“The independent Discipline Committee has considered the above case and has issued the following findings: The misconduct complaint has been upheld on Mr Stewart.
“He has been banned from attending matches or any match venue in Scotland for 12 months. Furthermore, he has received a suspension from holding any role within the club game for a period of 12 months.
“He is also required to undertake Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training at the direction of Scottish Rugby.
“The charges against Musselburgh RFC and their President were not upheld. Further details of the sanctions involved are available on Scottish Rugby’s website. Mr Stewart has the right of appeal.”
In a statement following the club dinner, the board of Musselburgh RFC apologised to those who attended and were offended by Mr Stewart’s alleged remarks, including the women’s team.
The board said: “We apologise for the very poor judgement of the speaker which he himself has acknowledged and sent us a written apology. We recognise the importance of calling out poor behaviours and in no way condone or approve of the subject matters that caused offence.”
Musselburgh RFC said that they were committed to “further conversations” with female players and would be making a donation to a relevant charity.
They added: “We are extremely disappointed and sorry that this incident has dented the progress that we have made in developing women’s rugby at the club. It is an initiative we have strongly supported over the last few years and remain wholeheartedly committed to for the future. We sincerely hope and expect that we can move forward from this stronger.”
Alloa RFC previously confirmed that Mr Stewart was in attendance in a “personal capacity”, adding bosses took any "distress or offence caused by the actions or words of a club member very seriously".