Exclusive: Telegraph Sport understands a tier one nation has asked World Rugby about sanctions for any team found spying on training
The Rugby World Cup has been plunged into a spying controversy over fears certain teams will deploy espionage tactics in France.
A leading tier one nation is understood to have asked World Rugby for clarification about sanctions for any team found spying and that any advantage from such tactics could prove decisive in what is expected to be the most competitive World Cup since 1987.
Separately, Telegraph Sport understands there is a belief that training sessions have been spied on by international teams in recent years.
Sources close to the Lions say there were major concerns that their training had been observed by South Africa during the 2021 tour and the use of espionage to gain an advantage in Test rugby has been an ongoing concern and bone of contention.