Menu
20/06/2008
England Rugby Players In 'Serious Sexual Assault' Probe
The England Rugby squad will play New Zealand's All Blacks on Saturday under the shadow of a "serious sexual assault" allegation against four of its players.
New Zealand Police have confirmed the nature of the alleged assault today.
It is understood that the alleged incident occurred in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after a 37-20 defeat at Eden Park to New Zealand's All Blacks.
Auckland Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said: "Members of Auckland City Police's Adult Sexual Assault Team flew to Christchurch yesterday in the hope of being able to speak the players involved in the serious sexual assault allegation."
Ms Hegarty said that the players have advised police through legal representation this morning that they are "declining to be interviewed by police on the matter at this stage".
"Auckland City Police will continue to investigate the allegation – that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted for four players – as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file," she added.
Any decision about where to take matters from there will depend on the outcome of that review.
A BBC correspondent says that under New Zealand law the players "are not obliged to speak".
However, no formal statement has been made by the woman who has made the allegations.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) Chief Executive Francis Baron has said in TV interview that the players are "acting on legal advice" by not speaking to the police and that "no complaint has been made".
"We are desperate to clear the players' names but we're in a very strange situation – with no allegations, no complaint being made – as to exactly how the name of the players can be cleared," he said.
It is understood that the four players concerned are "angry and frustrated" at being unable to clear their names.
Elite Rugby Director, Rob Andrews MBE said in a press conference in Christchurch that "the players concerned have the complete support of all players and management".
The England squad are in New Zealand for a two-match series against New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks.
See: England Rugby Players Investigated By New Zealand Police
(DS)
New Zealand Police have confirmed the nature of the alleged assault today.
It is understood that the alleged incident occurred in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after a 37-20 defeat at Eden Park to New Zealand's All Blacks.
Auckland Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said: "Members of Auckland City Police's Adult Sexual Assault Team flew to Christchurch yesterday in the hope of being able to speak the players involved in the serious sexual assault allegation."
Ms Hegarty said that the players have advised police through legal representation this morning that they are "declining to be interviewed by police on the matter at this stage".
"Auckland City Police will continue to investigate the allegation – that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted for four players – as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file," she added.
Any decision about where to take matters from there will depend on the outcome of that review.
A BBC correspondent says that under New Zealand law the players "are not obliged to speak".
However, no formal statement has been made by the woman who has made the allegations.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) Chief Executive Francis Baron has said in TV interview that the players are "acting on legal advice" by not speaking to the police and that "no complaint has been made".
"We are desperate to clear the players' names but we're in a very strange situation – with no allegations, no complaint being made – as to exactly how the name of the players can be cleared," he said.
It is understood that the four players concerned are "angry and frustrated" at being unable to clear their names.
Elite Rugby Director, Rob Andrews MBE said in a press conference in Christchurch that "the players concerned have the complete support of all players and management".
The England squad are in New Zealand for a two-match series against New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks.
See: England Rugby Players Investigated By New Zealand Police
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2008
England Rugby Players Investigated By New Zealand Police
Police in New Zealand are investigating a "serious allegation" concerning up to four England rugby players. It is believed that the alleged incident occurred in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after a 37-20 defeat at Eden Park to New Zealand's All Blacks.
England Rugby Players Investigated By New Zealand Police
Police in New Zealand are investigating a "serious allegation" concerning up to four England rugby players. It is believed that the alleged incident occurred in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after a 37-20 defeat at Eden Park to New Zealand's All Blacks.
02 November 2011
Irish Police Tackles GB Rugby Team
The newly branded Ireland Police Rugby team will take on a British Police Select Team at Newforge in Belfast later today. The Ireland Police Rugby Team is a combination of members of An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Irish Police Tackles GB Rugby Team
The newly branded Ireland Police Rugby team will take on a British Police Select Team at Newforge in Belfast later today. The Ireland Police Rugby Team is a combination of members of An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
11 February 2009
Karren Brady 'Vehemently Denies' Wrongdoing After Re-arrest
Karren Brady has denied any wrongdoing after she was re-arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in English football.
Karren Brady 'Vehemently Denies' Wrongdoing After Re-arrest
Karren Brady has denied any wrongdoing after she was re-arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in English football.
05 March 2004
Three Leicester players charged over sex assault
Three players with the Premiership club Leicester City have been charged with sexual aggression and breaking and entering following an alleged incident at a hotel in Spain. Scotland international Paul Dickov, Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie, and Frank Sinclair have been told that they will face trial.
Three Leicester players charged over sex assault
Three players with the Premiership club Leicester City have been charged with sexual aggression and breaking and entering following an alleged incident at a hotel in Spain. Scotland international Paul Dickov, Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie, and Frank Sinclair have been told that they will face trial.
16 September 2013
British Man Killed In New Zealand
A British man has died in New Zealand after falling 2,000ft on a mountain. Police in New Zealand confirmed 31-year-old Robert Buckley, who was currently living in Christchurch, died while climbing to a hut on Mount Sefton in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on Saturday.
British Man Killed In New Zealand
A British man has died in New Zealand after falling 2,000ft on a mountain. Police in New Zealand confirmed 31-year-old Robert Buckley, who was currently living in Christchurch, died while climbing to a hut on Mount Sefton in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on Saturday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
