English blame rape claim on World Cup

An English rugby official says a rape allegation against four players was "designed to destabilise" the tour - and suggests Kiwis' bitterness at their early exit from the Rugby World Cup might also be a relevant factor.

British newspaper The Independent has quoted an unnamed English rugby official as saying he believed the rape allegations made after the first test in Auckland were "designed to destabilise" England.

The suggestion comes as Auckland police confirm that their investigation into the woman's claim that she was raped by four players at the Hilton Hotel would continue, despite the team having left New Zealand.

The Independent quoted a Twickenham official as saying: "If there had been any substance in the case it should have been dealt with.

The whole episode has been unsatisfactory, but you have to remember that New Zealand are still bitter with us over their exit from the World Cup."

The report went on to say New Zealanders blamed English referee Wayne Barnes for the shock defeat by France in the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup. New Zealand rugby officials refused to comment on the suggestions.

The newspaper's rugby correspondent Tim Glover said feelings of resentment had resurfaced last week when the England cricket team were accused of gamesmanship in denying New Zealand victory in a rain-affected one-day international.

The English rugby players are expected to come under further pressure when they arrive home today, with officials hinting the identities of the four, who deny the allegations, could be revealed to remove the cloud hanging over other players.

 

- © Fairfax NZ News