Players refuse to talk with Kiwi cops

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-21  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

FOUR England players at the center of an allegation of sexual assault are refusing to speak to police investigating the incident, a police spokesperson said yesterday.

Officers of the Auckland criminal investigations branch flew to Christ church on Wednesday in the hope of interviewing the players involved in the alleged incident at Auckland's Hilton Hotel early Sunday morning.

Police said no formal complaint had yet been made to police, but the allegation of sexual assault or rape was being treated seriously.

Auckland City police communications manager Noreen Hegarty said the players had advised police through their lawyers that they would decline to be interviewed at this stage.

Hegarty said the investigation would continue as "thoroughly as possible" before police reviewed the file.

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

The England team thanking the police for coopration.

"The England rugby squad have continued to have positive dialogue with the Auckland police and would like to thank them for their understanding during a series of discussions and meetings with the squad's legal representatives," they said.

"The England squad fully understands the frustration felt by many members of the public and the media regarding the lack of information the squad have been able to provide," it added. "We hope it is understood that in the context of an ongoing police investigation that this is a difficult time for all concerned and that when it is appropriate to do so further comment will be made."

The statement confirmed that a request was made by the Auckland police for certain playing members of the squad to voluntarily attend a meeting with Christchurch police to speak to officers concerning the allegations. The players were advised by lawyers to not speak to the police.

Meanwhile, fullback Leon MacDonald sent an injury scare through the All Blacks squad after colliding with lock Ali Williams at training, but will still play against England, coach Graham Henry said.

MacDonald, who was on the bench for the previous two tests, collided with his Canterbury Crusaders teammate at training on Wednesday and Henry initially thought he would not play in today's game at Lancaster Park.