England rugby players refuse to speak to New Zealand police over hotel rape allegation

Four England rugby players have declined to be interviewed over sex attack allegations, New Zealand police said today.

Auckland police's adult sexual assault team are investigating an incident alleged to have occurred at the England hotel early last Sunday morning.

No formal complaint has been made by the woman responsible for the initial allegation. Consequently, the players in question today declined to speak with authorities, after taking independent legal advice.

Police have confirmed for the first time they received an allegation of 'rape and/or sexual assault' against four of the England playing squad.

Baron said: 'The police have mentioned, through our legal representatives, four names. Each of the individuals has denied any wrong-doing in the strongest terms.

'There are some lurid allegations floating around. The boys have totally denied them. In our view those boys are innocent until proven otherwise.

'They have and will continue to have our full support in their efforts to clear their names as soon as possible.'

The RFU has hired independent lawyers for all four players, who are said to be 'angry and frustrated' at being unable to actively clear their names.

But the legal advice is for the players not to answer any police questions unless the alleged victim comes forward with a formal complaint.

Baron added: 'We are very keen as a union to see this matter brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.

'We have to give the young lads every opportunity to clear their name, which is what we want to do. It is in everybody's interests to achieve that as quickly as possible.

'Having hired professional advice for them, they have to listen to the professional advice they have been given.

'I know the boys are very upset and very frustrated they can't clear their names asap."
Baron acknowledged that it would be difficult for the players to do that unless a formal complaint was actually made.

'It is a very difficult situation with no complaint being made," he said.
'You are trying to clear yourself against what?

'I hope I am conveying the anger and frustration those young men are currently facing. They don't know what the charges are, they don't know how they can get to where they want to be.

'There doesn't appear to be any immediate end to the process, in the absence of there being a complaint.'

After learning of the players' decision not to speak with the authorities, the Auckland Criminal Investigation Bureau confirmed the file will remain open.

A statement read: "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.

'Any decision about where to take matters from there will depend on the outcome of that review.

'While no formal statement has been made by the woman who made the allegations, a formal complaint can be made at any time in the future and police are then obliged to assess the evidential basis of that complaint.'

The England team management have been involved in a 'series of discussions and meetings with the squad's legal representatives', according to the RFU.

If there is no change to the current situation, the England players will be free to leave New Zealand as planned on Sunday.