St. Thomas University has lifted sanctions against the men's rugby team, imposed two weeks ago following an off-campus party where alcohol was provided to underage rookie players.

In a statement Friday, officials say they are satisfied the players have taken responsibility for their actions and learned from their mistakes.

The Fredericton-based university's rugby team will now be allowed to complete the season.

On Sept. 28, university officials had imposed a one-game suspension against the team for the party, which violated the university's athletics code of conduct.

'They have committed to seeking ways of building team spirit that do not involve alcohol and that are consistent with the athletics code of conduct.'— St. Thomas University statement

In addition, playing in the two remaining league games on Oct. 13 and 19, was contingent upon the team giving a presentation to administrators on lessons they learned and why they should be allowed to continue their season.

"From these presentations and our interaction with the student athletes, we are satisfied that they have taken responsibility for their actions and that they are sincere when they say they have learned from their mistakes," officials said.

"They have committed to seeking ways of building team spirit that do not involve alcohol and that are consistent with the athletics code of conduct."

This was not the first time the university has found itself involved in a controversy over an athletics party.

In 2010, the volleyball team was suspended after a rookie player who attended the team's off-campus initiation party died.

Andrew Bartlett, 21, was found dead in his apartment building the morning of Oct. 24. He had fallen down the stairs and hit his head, police said.

Last year, the university introduced a controversial new code of conduct that covers all student behaviour on- and off-campus.