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England rugby players refuse police interview on sex claim

New Zealand police confirmed yesterday that four England rugby players were caught up in allegations of rape and sexual assault, but said the men had refused to be interviewed.

The team’s managers issued a public denial on behalf of the unnamed players who are alleged to have been involved in the incident at a hotel in Auckland early on Sunday after they lost the first of two Tests against the All Blacks.

England players and managers insist the team are now focused on today’s second Test in Christchurch, but rugby has been overshadowed by the controversy over what happened in a private room at the team’s hotel.

“The players have advised police — via legal representation this 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.”

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 said.

Members of Auckland police’s adult sexual assault team on Thursday flew to Christchurch to try to interview the players over the alleged incident at the luxury Hilton Hotel in Auckland.

The England team broke their two-day silence over the allegations yesterday, saying 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.

“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,” the management 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.”

While the management said it was continuing “positive dialog” with police, the four players had been advised by lawyers not to talk to detectives.

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 player, with whom she also had consensual sex.

The reports said some of the sex was witnessed by two other players.



Also see: England trying to focus on second Test
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