'Sex scandal' hits England as police continue investigation

A cloud of suspicion hung over England's rugby squad last night as police investigated an alleged sex scandal involving four players in an Auckland hotel room.

Instead of giving their undivided attention to finding a way of beating the All Blacks here on Saturday, England's management issued one brief statement before breakfast and another, briefer one eight hours later.

Grim-faced: England manager Rob Andrew

The first confirmed they were helping police with their enquiries, the second declared their 'complete support' for those allegedly involved.

In the absence of any developments from Auckland police's criminal investigation bureau into a complaint believed to have been made by a woman, tour manager Rob Andrew said in a prepared statement: 'I would just add that the players concerned have the complete support of all players and management.

'I am sure you will understand and respect the fact that no comment can be made or questions asked, either of myself and the players on this matter.'

Auckland police refused to confirm a claim made by New Zealand's state broadcaster, TV One News, of alleged rape.

Management staff at the five-star harbourside Hilton hotel where England stayed last week have been interviewed by police as part of the investigation into a complaint over an incident during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some players are understood to have gone out to the nearby Pony Bar nightclub and, according to one source, a number of women returned to the hotel.

The squad left Auckland on Sunday to prepare for the second Test. The team trained yesterday and insisted it had been business as usual in their improbable bid to square the series.

England captain Steve Borthwick denied that the off-field scandal had derailed plans for Saturday.

'I am very happy with the player's preparation this week,' he said. 'They have worked tremendously hard in training and we will give a better account of ourselves this weekend.

'Spirits are high and we are a very tight group. Everyone is excited about the challenge ahead and the focus is very clear."

Asked if he felt let down by the alleged activities of four players, Borthwick said: No.' He then deflected further questions on the subject saying: 'As for anything else, speak to Rob Andrew.'

James Haskell, the 23-year-old Wasps flanker with the credentials to become a future England captain, added: 'We can't afford to let any distraction get in our way. We have to make sure as individuals we perform at the weekend and get a win.

'There are always all sorts of different things which can throw you off your game but we know we have a massive challenge and there is no point getting caught up in anything else.'

Olly Barkley denied the off-field controversy had made England's task more difficult. 'I don't think you get selected for England if you are a mental weed,' he said.

'There are things which are not ideal at the moment but everyone gets on with their job. We have a game to win.'

The goalkicking centre spoke of his annoyance at being demoted to the bench while his midfield partner, Charlie Hodgson, has been dropped from the 22 after carrying the can for the defensive blunders in Auckland.

Barkley said: 'I was annoyed. A completely different approach means I lose out along with Charlie. I'm not particularly happy and I'm not taking it particularly well but I have to live with the decision.

'I'm not one to stand up and cry about it. I'm not the kind of guy to throw my toys out of the pram and go off tour.'