Advertisement
Cory Jane pursues Rob Kearney in 2013. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

All Blacks star Cory Jane has no recollection of sleeping pill binge at 2011 World Cup

The winger explained that he and Israel Dagg made the mistake of taking the pills and then going out for something to eat.

NEW ZEALAND WINGER Cory Jane claims he has no memory of the night both he and teammate Israel Dagg went out to a Takapuna bar whilst reportedly mixing sleeping pills with energy drinks.

A story emerged late last week that the All Blacks backline colleagues indulged in the bizarre practice in the midst of a World Cup campaign their side won in October 2011. NZRU chief executive Steve Tew slated the duo for indulging in what he called a childish game to see who could stay up longer than the other.

Jane, who plays for the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby, was quizzed about the incident when he faced reporters on Monday. The 31-year-old says both he and Dagg took the pills as they new a big training session awaited the next morning. They then made the not altogether wise decision to head out for a bite to eat.

Jane told reporters, “There was no mixing with energy drinks, no thought of going to the pub and drinking and partying. We had a big training the next day so we happened to go out quickly to get something to eat and they kicked in and we were on autopilot.”

He added, “I woke up the next day, went to training, had a good training, and then got told afterwards we’d gone out. I didn’t even know we’d gone out. All I remember is getting something for dinner then waking up the next morning.

”So when people say ‘why were we stupid enough to go out there and get on the juice a few days before an important final,’ we can say we didn’t plan to go out. We just made the mistake of taking the sleeping pills and instead of taking them when we were jumping in bed we quickly tried to get something to eat and that was that.”

Dagg, for his part, was apologetic and commented, “It was a oncer; that’s for sure.” The Crusaders fullback added, “Boys are going to boys and just try these things. It is not the brightest thing to do but we did it and we are paying for it.”

All Black stars in the dock over sleeping pill cocktail binge at 2011 Rugby World Cup

Munster confirm Donnacha Ryan will not be fit to face Leinster

Close
7 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.