England's image is left in tatters after Auckland bedroom scandal

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: 'This is the first time the England rugby team have got into this position and that is distressing for everyone involved in the English game.

Captain¿s slog: England skipper Steve Borthwick carries the ball during training

We are very concerned about that. It makes us absolutely determined to do whatever we can to ensure that such a set of circumstances never happens again.

'There are some lurid allegations floating around. The players have totally denied them. In our view, those boys are innocent. Until proven otherwise, they are innocent and they will continue to have our full support in their efforts to clear their names as soon as possible.

'Over the years, players representing England teams have been outstanding ambassadors for their country and their sport.'

Far from the subject evaporating like a bad dream, England had to prepare for their return Test against the All Blacks here this morning under a darkening cloud.

Auckland City police confirmed that their investigation into an allegation 'that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted by four players would continue as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file'.

The nightmare scenario was not lost on the head of the Red Rose business, with its annual £100million turnover.

Baron said: 'We have not had an incident like this and we never, ever want to have an incident like this again.

'Yes, these things are damaging. We are also conscious of any embarrassment we may be causing to our hosts. We are also thankful for the professional way in which the police are conducting themselves.'

Despite an earlier assurance of co-operation with the police, the four players followed legal advice in refusing to be interviewed yesterday by officers from the adult sexual assault unit in Auckland, who had flown here for the purpose.

Baron defended their right to remain silent after hiring New Zealand-based solicitors to represent the four.

'We have to give the young lads every opportunity to clear their names and we want to bring the matter to a satisfactory close as quickly as possible,' he said. 'No complaint has been made. Based on the reports the president and I have from the legal team, it appears there is no immediate prospect of one being made.

'Therefore the police, as we understand it, are not able to progress their investigation. We have sympathy and understanding for the police. They have assembled a certain amount of information. They have mentioned four names but we are not going to disclose them. It is a difficult situation, with no complaint made. You are trying to clear yourself against what?

'I hope I am conveying the anger and frustration those young men are facing. We are in the hands of their legal advisers. The players are a long way from home and it is important they have the best professional advice available.

'They clearly have to listen to the advice they are being given. I know the boys are very upset, frustrated that they cannot clear their names asap. But there is a legal process which is being followed here.

'If a complaint is not made in the next two or three days, I'm sure our legal team will be pressing the police to close the file. The damage to the individuals' names is substantial. That is downright unfair.'

Christchurch QC Nigel Hampton gave independent backing to the players' stance, saying: 'This is a no-win situation for the England team. They have been put through the wringer. If nobody has formally complained, I can't see why it's even in the hands of the police. It seems to be a wild goose chase.'

England are due to leave New Zealand tomorrow and say they are not aware of restrictions preventing any player from doing so.

Whatever their fate, the issue raises a serious disciplinary issue for the RFU. Baron, asked about honey traps, said: 'We have to get across to these young men, who are high-profile individuals, that they are targets for people.'

Players chosen by new manager Martin Johnson on July 1 for the elite England squad will sign contracts with a more specific code of conduct than the one in place. It will forbid women from accompanying players to team hotels.

David Strettle's place on the England bench was subject to an overnight fitness test on a strained calf muscle. The Harlequins wing had been dropped from the starting XV after missing the chance of an early try in Auckland last week.

NEW ZEALAND: L MacDonald; S Sivivatu, R Kahui, M Nonu, R Wulf; D Carter, A Ellis; N Tialata, A Hore, G Somerville; B Thorn, A Williams; A Thomson, R McCaw (capt), R So'olalo. Subs: K Mealamu, T Woodcock, A Boric, S Lauaki, J Cowan, S Donald, M Muliaini.

ENGLAND: M Tait; T Ojo, M Tindall, J Noon, T Varndell; T Flood, D Care; T Payne, L Mears, M Stevens; T Palmer, S Borthwick (capt); J Haskell, T Rees, L Narraway. Subs: J Hobson, D Paice, B Kay, J Worsley, P Richards, O Barkley, D Strettle. Referee: J Kaplan (South Africa). TV: SkySports 1 from 8am (kick-off 8.35).