Barbiegate: 'Sex ban' for tourists
Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:12
Player problems: Rob Andrew defends his team
Players on future English tours face a 'sex ban' as Rugby Football Union (RFU) officials scramble to avoid a repeat of the sexual assault scandal that rocked the England tour to New Zealand this week.
The alleged incident was said to have occurred in a private room at the plush Auckland Hilton Hotel, just hours after the 20-37 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks.
British newspapers reported on Friday that English bosses are looking at a ban on players having female guests in their rooms, following confirmation of an allegation of rape against members of the England team.
The Guardian newspaper said the RFU is considering the introduction of the ban from next season.
The RFU has agreed to a new set of standards, with the new code of conduct set to come into force from 1 July when players will sign their new elite contracts.
The union also said four of its players deny allegations of rape made against them.
It has also been confirmed that they are refusing to speak to police and said this was on the basis that no formal complaint has yet been made by the alleged victim.
A statement issued on Friday said: "Those players have each received legal advice from lawyers engaged to independently consider their interests.
"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 players continue to deny the allegations and have the full support of the England management, coaches and players."
Auckland City police also put out a statement revealing that the players were refusing to answer questions.
The RFU said there was a "positive dialogue" ongoing with the police.
The spokesman added: "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. We hope it is understood that in the context of an on-going 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."
Police confirmed that the allegations are that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted by four players. No formal compliant has been made.
Auckland police flew to Christchurch in the hope of speaking with the four players alleged to be involved.
It is understood the 18-year-old woman's boyfriend contacted police after she returned from Auckland's Hilton Hotel, where an assault allegedly took place following a post-match drinking session in central Auckland last Saturday night - a session that continued into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Auckland City police communications manager Noreen Hegarty said the players had advised police via lawyers they declined to be interviewed at this stage.
Hegarty said the investigation would continue as "thoroughly as possible" before police reviewed the file.
"Any decision about where to take matters from there will depend on the outcome of that review."
A formal complaint could be made at any time in the future.
The allegations have made headlines throughout British media, with concerns the sordid nature of the claims would ensure they overshadow anything that happens on the pitch during the team's two-match tour against the All Blacks.
