A PLAYER who has backed his own team to succeed in both competitions and individual matches said that he felt no moral conumdrum about doing so.

The issue came into focus following tough measures passed at this year’s congress. Rule 1.18 prohibits players, team management or match officials involved in a game from betting on the outcome of any aspect of the game concerned.

The player, who wishes to remain anonymous, also believes betting on your own team is common.

“I have only ever backed my team to win in that sense I never felt I was doing anything personally wrong. I was never going to be doing anything other than trying my best to make sure that result happened anyway.

“The sums involved were not life-changing sums of money, so the bet was always secondary to the main prize, which was winning the game.”

The full interview is available in store today or online here.