Robin Brooke apologisies for Fiji actions

Former All Black Robin Brooke has publicly apologised for his actions in Fiji, which included groping a young girl and assaulting a male teen.

Brooke made his apology on national television saying he regretted his actions on New Year's Eve at a Fijian resort.

Reading from a prepared statement on TVNZ's Closeup tonight following a meeting with the 15-year-old and her family last week, Brooke said he had apologised personally to her and her family "and this apology has been accepted."

As a result of the meeting, Brooke agreed to certain conditions.

"The conditions are to make a public apology, a donation of $3000 is to be made to a charity of her choice, I'll undergo (alcohol) counselling, I'll reimburse her airfare, I'll pay her family's legal fees.

"I now wish to apologise publicly to her and her family for my behaviour in Fiji that night. It was unacceptable and in no way provoked by her or any other person."

He did, however, not specify what he had done to the 15-year-old Auckland girl who was holidaying at the Hilton on Denarau Island, saying he was too drunk to remember but accepted her version of events.

The allegations included that he twice grabbed the girl's backside while she was pool-side at around 3am and had assaulted her male friend when he had tried to intervene.

He told TV1's Close Up he was "truly remorseful" and he was apologising on television "because I need to put something right."

"She was on a holiday that she worked for. She had no reason for this to happen to her... I feel terrible about it."

Brooke said he also accepted the Australian teen's assault allegations, which included Brooke grabbing him by the throat and threatening him.

The father of the boy, Jordan Whittaker, is suing the rugby star for $200,000.

Brooke said he hoped their meeting would bring closure to the girl and her family.

He said he had no memory of the incident.

"It was 3 o'clock in the morning on New Year's Eve. I had had too much to drink."

It was not until five days after the incident Brooke was told by a security guard about what he had done.

"Within 20 minutes of finding out I was on the phone to the Whittakers, I set up a meeting with them. I rang the guardian of the young lady concerned."

He said he understood the angry reaction of the girl's parents because he had two daughters of his own.

Before the incident Brooke said he did not think he had a problem with alcohol, but counselling would help him find out if he did.

"I welcome that opportunity to find out."

Brooke's family and wife were disappointed with his actions, he said.

He denied that just because he was an All Black he could do whatever he wanted.

"In this country All Blacks are put up on a pedestal, rightly or wrongly, but it still doesn't excuse your actions on and off the field and on this instance and on this occasion, I've let myself down."

The teenage girl's family had also prepared a statement confirming the meeting, apology and agreement.

They said no money was sought other than the donation to the charity and reimbursement of expenses.

Their lawyer, Peter Tomlinson, said the teenager hoped other people who were the subject of inappropriate behaviour were encouraged to speak out.

- with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News