Eng players won't talk to cops
2008-06-20 07:45
Wellington - New Zealand police confirmed on Friday for the first time that four England rugby players are caught up in an allegation of a serious sexual assault, but said they had refused to be interviewed.
The alleged assault is said to have happened at the England team's hotel in Auckland early on Sunday, hours after they were thrashed 37-20 in the first of two Tests against the All Blacks.
England players and managers insist the team are now focused on Saturday's second Test in Christchurch, but rugby has been overshadowed by the controversy over what really happened in a private room at the hotel.
No formal complaint has been made and the players deny the allegations.
"The players have advised police - via legal representation on Friday morning - that they are declining to be interviewed by police on the matter at this stage," Auckland police said in a statement.
"Auckland City Police will continue to investigate the allegation that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted by four players as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file."
Legal advice
While no formal complaint had been received from the woman, one could be made at any time in the future and would be followed up by police, they added.
The England team broke their two-day silence over the allegations on Friday, confirming the players had declined to speak to detectives on legal advice.
"The players continue to deny the allegations and have the full support of the England management, coaches and players," the team management said in a statement.
Members of Auckland police's adult sexual assault team flew on Thursday to the southern city of Christchurch to try to interview the players over the alleged incident at the luxury waterfront Hilton Hotel.
The squad had earlier refused to comment on the allegations, except to say on Wednesday that they were cooperating with police and the four players had the team's full support.
On Friday, they said they were continuing to have "positive dialogue" with the Auckland police.
Police investigation
"The England squad fully understands the frustration felt by many members of the public and the media regarding the lack of information the squad have been able to provide," they said.
"We hope it is understood that in the context of an ongoing police investigation that this is a difficult time for all concerned, and that when it is appropriate to do so further comment will be made."
The four team members allegedly involved in the incident have been receiving advice from lawyers.
"In the absence of any formal complaint in this matter, the players were advised to decline the request made to them to voluntarily attend upon the police and they are fully within their rights to do so," the management said.
British media reports, quoting an England rugby source, claimed an 18-year-old woman had consensual sex with one player in his room before being joined by another squad member, with whom she also had consensual sex.
The reports said some of the sex was witnessed by two other players.
All Black coach Graham Henry expressed sympathy on Friday for the predicament facing the England set-up.
"I know there's a bit going on, but quite frankly I don't know what the details are at all," he told reporters on Friday.
"You don't want any sporting team going through that situation. You live that sort of life yourself in a sporting international environment and I think you've got a lot of sympathy for people who go through that situation."
On Thursday, England captain Steve Borthwick batted away questions on the scandal, telling reporters the team was focused only on Saturday's Test.
"When you've got a game against the All Blacks at the weekend the focus is very clear," he said.