French PM apologises over Bastareaud affair

Last updated 18:02 02/07/2009

Reuters

SO SORRY: French Prime Minister Francois Fillon who has written to his New Zealand counterpart John Key condemning the 'unjustifiable' lies of French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud.

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New Zealand's international reputation has bounced back from the Bastareaud affair, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) boss Steve Tew says.

Tew today returned from Japan to news French Prime Minister Francois Fillon had written to New Zealand counterpart John Key, to apologise for the "unacceptable behaviour" of countryman Mathieu Bastareaud .

Rugby centre Bastareaud, 20, lied over an alleged assault in Wellington following France's 14-10 defeat against the All Blacks on June 20.

Police investigated the incident, which had the potential to damage the New Zealand tourism industry, for several days, until Bastareaud admitted he made it up.

He said he had drunk too much and hit his head on a hotel table, but there have been reports his injuries were due to being hit by a teammate.

Tew told reporters that, based on headlines he had seen overseas, widespread publicity about the incident might turn out to be a positive for New Zealand.

"Ironically, given how much the story has snowballed over the last week, we've probably repaired all the damage and gone some way, so ... if there's a positive out of this, that would be it," he said.

"The initial story didn't do New Zealand any good, but the story's become such a big issue now ... it's getting headlines, including that New Zealand's international reputation has been restored.

"We would have all preferred for it not to happen, but the way it has unfolded now is probably as good as we can expect."

Mr Key today said he appreciated the apology and he was keen for both countries to "put the matter behind us now".

Mr Fillon said that "France's tour of New Zealand has been marked by the unacceptable behaviour of one of its players".

"By his false statements, as a result of which you had to intervene publicly, he seriously tainted the image of your country and its people."

Mr Fillon said he regretted the incident and wanted the culture of rugby shared by the two countries to continue.

Tew echoed the response of Mr Key.

"It's totally appropriate, I think our prime minister's summed it up very well, we now support his position that it's time to move on.

"We have a very strong relationship with the French that will continue.

"We'd also like to say we wish the player all the best, he clearly has some issues he needs to deal with and we'd like him to be able to move on and get well."

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Bastareaud was welcome to return to New Zealand, he said.

"He's a member of the wider rugby community, he made a mistake, he's got to live with that mistake for the rest of his life, he now needs to get on - we hope he will be back here in 2011 playing against the All Blacks."

Bastareaud was admitted to hospital in France with serious psychological problems on Monday after allegedly trying to commit suicide.

French Rugby Federation (FRF) president Pierre Camou has said being an international player carried with it responsibility.

"The FRF is shocked that one of the French XV has lied. The New Zealand nation and the world of rugby can legitimately feel wounded by the player's initial statements which have also tarnished the image of French rugby."

Camou has contacted the FRF's disciplinary commission and has called for an inquiry into the episode.

- NZPA