Police Investigate Videos from School Rugby Trip

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that it liaised with the school and conducted an investigation, but no further action was taken.

Both the Methodist Church and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) were also asked to review the trip.

The case gained attention after former pupil Gabriel McConkey, now 19, was awarded over £50,000 in a civil case related to the December 2022 training camp. His family said he was left "traumatised" after being filmed in "degrading" videos.

Allegations and Investigation

Mr. McConkey was 17 at the time and in Lower Sixth. He alleges that older pupils forced him and others to run naked around the resort and then coerced him into shaving his head using video footage as leverage. He also claims he was forced to witness other boys being pressured into performing an act on a sex toy.

A PSNI spokesperson stated that police received a report on January 24, 2023, regarding the circulation of videos among students. Officers provided guidance and support, conducted an investigation, but ultimately took no further action.

School and Governing Body Responses

Methodist College said it took disciplinary action and contacted police after a complaint was made. The school stated that the incidents occurred during downtime after training sessions and at night, prompting a review and improvement of supervision procedures, which have been in place for the past two years.

The IRFU confirmed it was aware of the allegations but noted that the trip was not an IRFU event, directing concerns to the appropriate authorities. Ulster Rugby, which runs the Schools' Cup competition, stated that the reported behaviour "does not align with the values of rugby."

Government and Family Reactions

Education Minister Paul Givan called the incident "unacceptable" and said schools must ensure such events do not happen again.

Following the settlement of the civil case, Mr. McConkey’s mother, Sian Mawhinney, told BBC News NI that her son was "absolutely broken" when he returned from the trip.

The staff member responsible for the 2022 trip remains involved in rugby at the school. Methodist College says pastoral support was provided during and after the trip.

A police investigation was launched following reports of videos circulating after a Methodist College Belfast rugby trip to Portugal.

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