Andrew backs players over 'allegation' - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Andrew backs players over 'allegation'

England's elite rugby director Rob Andrew has given his support to four players who are at the centre of a "serious allegation" which is being investigated by New Zealand police.

An incident is alleged to have occurred in a private room at the team's Hilton hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning, New Zealand time, following England's 37-20 defeat to the All Blacks.

He said: "The England rugby team has been informed by Auckland police that an allegation has been made against four members of the England playing squad. Whilst no formal complaint has been made we are co-operating with the police and their enquiries. The players concerned have the complete support of all the players and the management."

According to reports, the incident involved a woman, but Auckland Police said a formal complaint had yet to be lodged. No further details have been released.

Andrew confirmed England, now in Christchurch preparing for Saturday's second Test, are co-operating with police over the matter.

Andrew would not comment further, nor would the England team's travelling lawyer Richard Smith QC.

An Auckland 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 co-operation from the England rugby team management."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London