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New Zealand Rugby and Crusaders to investigate player behaviour allegations in South Africa
By Online Editors
New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders are jointly reviewing allegations about player behaviour while on tour in South Africa.
NZR Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass confirmed that enquiries started as soon as staff were alerted by Crusaders management.
The allegations arose after a handful of Crusaders player visited a McDonald's outlet in Cape Town following their 19-all draw with the Stormers.
Some players were accused by two people at the restaurant of displaying "physically intimidating" behaviour, alleging they made homophobic slurs, limp wrist gestures and adopted high pitched voices.
As many as three players were accused of such actions, although Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has acknowledged only wing George Bridge was involved in what he described as a "selfie gone wrong".
In a separate incident, a Cape Town woman made accusations that star first-five Richie Mo'unga allegedly spat beer at her and her friend group, of which Mo'unga apologised for via Instagram.
“The allegations that have been made about players, in two different incidences, are very serious. These allegations are about abuse, inappropriate and offensive behaviour, and we do not tolerate this," Cass said.
“We have very strong values of respect, inclusion and tolerance in Rugby – there is no place for the type of behavior that has been described.
“At the same time, the players are refuting the details of the claims made. Because the nature of these allegations is serious, it is important that we carefully look at these claims without prejudice or assumptions.
“We are reaching out to the individuals who have made these allegations and urging them to formally lodge their complaints with the Independent Complaints Management Service, which is run by highly regarded lawyer Steph Dyhrberg. We have already discussed with Ms Dyhrberg her involvement in coordinating an investigation into both incidents,” Cass said.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said he had had initial discussions with the players and team management.
“The players are distraught about the accusations as they continue to refute the alleged version of events.
“Clearly the right thing to do is to formalise the investigation into these matters, which would allow both sides to be heard.”
New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders said they hope the investigation will be concluded as soon as possible.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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