Eastmond suspended by St Helens

St Helens have suspended half-back Kyle Eastmond pending an investigation into serious misconduct.

Eastmond, 21, recently agreed to join Bath rugby union club at the end of the season, and gossip surrounding his future has overshadowed much of the first few months of Saints’ season, which has seen them lose their opening two home games.

It was after the first of those home games, a defeat against Warrington, that Eastmond caused further controversy when he left the field without acknowledging the clubs fans, which then resulted in an apology from the half-back.

Although Eastmond had expressed his desire to do his best for the club until the end of the year, there is fresh uncertainty over his immediate future.

A club statement said: “No further comment will be made until completion of the investigation.”