Four unnamed members of England's rugby squad are being investigated by Auckland police after an incident that is alleged to have occurred in a hotel room after the first Test last Saturday night.
New Zealand television have reported that the incident is of a sexual nature, but neither the police or the England management have confirmed this allegation.
England have been advised that no formal complaint has yet been made but police have visited the Hilton Hotel on Auckland's waterfront after an allegation was brought to their attention on Sunday evening. The story led the country's evening television bulletins, with NZTV's ONE News reporting that some players did not return to the hotel until the early hours of Sunday morning and that they had female company.
Neither the hotel not the police were making any further comment, but police sources indicated that if no formal complaint is forthcoming they may not be able to take the matter further. England's legal advisor, Richard Smith, steadfastly declined to discuss the allegations and would not reveal when the tour management were advised of the situation.
The RFU's elite rugby director Rob Andrew read from a prepared statement to confirm that England were fully cooperating with police in the matter and that the four players had the "complete support" of the team and management. "The England rugby team has been informed by Auckland police that an allegation has been made against four members of the England playing squad," he said. "Whilst no formal complaint has been made, we are cooperating with the police and their inquiries. The players concerned have the complete support of all the players and the management. In the circumstances, we are unable to make any further comment."
Andrew was also keen to focus on preparations for Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks. "I am sure you will understand and respect that no further comment can be made or questions asked of either myself of players on this matter," he said.
A spokeswoman for Auckland police would not confirm the nature of the allegation or the identity of the players. A police statement read: "Auckland City Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating an allegation involving up to four members of the England rugby team. The incident being investigated is alleged to have occurred early on Sunday June 15, in a private room. Whilst an allegation was brought to the attention of police on Sunday evening, no formal complaint has been received. Investigating officers are receiving the appropriate level of cooperation from the England rugby team management."
England's rugby team, who lost the first Test at Eden Park by a 17-point margin, have never been involved in a comparable incident. They are also travelling without their manager-elect, Martin Johnson who remained at home to attend the recent birth of his son. Johnson does not officially commence his job until July 1 when England are due to name a 32-man elite player squad. It is unclear whether the allegations will influence the selectors players are included.
The Hilton Hotel would not comment on the allegations.
