Darrell Stapleton, who is independent of the union and sits on the judiciary, is carrying out the investigation.

Under the code of conduct, participants must not make or publish any statement which is detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the union.

NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull said the comments, which the Herald understands were centred around a referee, were not the subject of a code of conduct breach yet.

"The investigator is reviewing what has gone on and will determine if there has been any breaches," Fairfull said. "The remit is, if you are a participant of rugby you are not supposed to be posting things which are derogatory to the game."

The increasing presence and popularity of social media platforms has created a potential minefield for sporting bodiies.

"You only have to look at some of the recent issues in our code with social media posts," Fairfull said. "It is obviously becoming a massive issue for all sports. That is why we have appointed an independent investigator to work out what has gone on, what has been posted, what has been said. Then, once we have that information, how do we deal with it?

"It is an interesting space. You do want interaction, you do want comments, you do want people to express their feelings. But there is a fine line on what becomes inappropriate and abusive for the recipients.

"In this day and age it is very easy to be a keyboard warrior. What you would say if you were eyeball to eye ball is a lot different to when you are sitting at home on your keyboard."

In the past, the NHRU has deleted posts on their facebook page or ignored posts on other platforms deemed inappropriate.

"Normally the abusive comments are directed towards the NHRU," he said. "Historically, we have taken the view of not responding. We didn't want to turn it into something bigger. This is the first year it has targeted other participants and members who we have to protect."

Fairfull said Stapleton would provide a written report, including recommendations, in the "next few days".

"Once we get the report, we will look at his recommendations," Fairfull said. "They may be more about better communicating our social media policy more widely and re-enforcing what it is and giving warnings rather than immediate sanctions."

As well as work with the investigator, Fairfull has met with Bar TV, which broadcast NHRU games, often with commentary.

"Bar TV is going to put in protocols around guest commentators and make sure they are aware of what they can and can't say," Fairfull said.

Merewether are not involved in the investigation but club president Stephen Reid recently posted on their facebook page a reminded for players and members of the standards the club expected.

"The overarching rule is simple - don't post or say anything that you are not prepared to put your name to and take responsibility for - be it now, or in twenty years from now. The NHRU and our club will hold you accountable," he wrote.

"Our club will be powerless to help you in such circumstances and will disassociate itself from any such breaches and behaviour."

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