Baron: Players deny wrong-doing

Four England players have denied an allegation of rape and/or serious sexual assault in "the strongest terms", according to the Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron.

The Auckland police's adult sexual assault team are investigating an incident alleged to have occurred at the England hotel early last Sunday morning (New Zealand time), but no formal complaint has been made by the woman responsible for the initial allegation and so the quartet declined to speak with the authorities after taking independent legal advice.

Baron said: "The police have mentioned, through our legal representatives, four names. Each of the individuals has denied any wrong-doing in the strongest terms."

He added: "There are some lurid allegations floating around. The boys have totally denied them. In our view those boys are innocent until proven otherwise.

"They have and will continue to have our full support in their efforts to clear their names as soon as possible."

The RFU have hired independent lawyers for all four players, who are said to be "angry and frustrated" at being unable to actively clear their names.

But the legal advice is for the players not to answer any police questions unless the alleged victim comes forward with a formal complaint.

Baron added: "We are very keen as a union to see this matter brought to a conclusion as soon as possible."