THE CRUSADERS AND New Zealand Rugby [NZR] have launched a joint investigation into allegations about the behaviour of players on the Super Rugby champions’ recent trip to South Africa.
Scott Robertson’s squad were in Cape Town for a Super Rugby clash with the Stormers last weekend and have since been accused of what the Crusaders termed “inappropriate and offensive behavior” in two separate alleged incidents.
In a statement yesterday, after the first allegation was made, the Crusaders said team management, the three players involved and their South African-based security advisor were all “devastated by the allegation and the implication of homophobic behaviour.”
Today, after a second alleged incident involving another Crusaders player came to light, the Christchurch-based franchise has confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched in conjunction with NZR.
However, the Crusaders stressed that the players at the centre of the alleged incidents “continue to refute the alleged version of events.”
“The allegations that have been made about players, in two different incidences, are very serious,” said NZR chief rugby officer Nigel Cass.
“These allegations are about abuse, inappropriate and offensive behavior, and we do not tolerate this.
“We have very strong values of respect, inclusion and tolerance in Rugby – there is no place for the type of behavior that has been described.
“At the same time, the players are refuting the details of the claims made. Because the nature of these allegations is serious, it is important that we carefully look at these claims without prejudice or assumptions.
“We are reaching out to the individuals who have made these allegations and urging them to formally lodge their complaints with the Independent Complaints Management Service, which is run by highly regarded lawyer Steph Dyhrberg.
“We have already discussed with Ms Dyhrberg her involvement in coordinating an investigation into both incidents.”
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge added:
“The players are distraught about the accusations as they continue to refute the alleged version of events.
“Clearly the right thing to do is to formalise the investigation into these matters, which would allow both sides to be heard.”
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Apparently three players were in a McDs after Saturdays game and were asked for a selfie. Two people there tweeted that they were making homophobic gestures and slurs. No formal complaint has been made. Some other ‘diners’ have since come forward to say nothing of the sort happened. A selfie that went wrong allegedly.
@Darach Malone: It should be very simple to get to the bottom of. McDonalds will have cctv of the store and once that comes to light we’ll all have an answer.
“In addition to the players, in addition to the security detail that was with us, in addition to security guards that were at McDonald’s, there has been other people contact us directly to say that was not their recollection of the events.”
The constant issues of alleged poor behaviour by rugby football players is deeply troubling.
@Treaty Bhoy: In relation to who exactly? Young lads get themselves in trouble the world over. Rugby players are no different. Wider societal issue rather than just a rugby one.
@Eddie Hekenui: Don’t feed the trolls
@Eddie Hekenui: boys will be boys is a good read about the cowboys although I’d nearly say you’ve read it, it’s one of the best sports books out there. You’re right in saying that young lads will cut loose and get themselves into trouble, we’ve all done it and have all regretted it too. I once saw a current limerick hurler take a dump on the bonnet of someones car during the heights of a night out.
From a fans point of view it’s disappointing but once the appropriate action is taken then no more can be done.
@Jim Demps: Haha I have indeed read it. Crazy book and sums up a lot of what is wrong with “locker room culture”. I’ve seen some horrific carry on from young lads with alcohol on board be it lads involved in sports or not. As a Crusaders fan I’m massively disappointed in the allegations and hope appropriate action is taken if the allegations prove truthful
@Treaty Bhoy: why do you do it.
@Eddie Hekenui: I wouldn’t bother engaging with TB…a known troll. I ask him why he does it but havent had a response yet. really keen to understand the psychology / motives / incentives in acting as he does.
Fairly shocking allegations. The Mo’unga one if fairly galling as he appears to admit that he was in such a state on the night in question that he doesn’t remember. That’s poor form mid season whether he’s guilty or not. The other allegations seem fairly whishy washy. If true then it’s awful carry on and I hope the lads are thoroughly sanctioned.
@Eddie Hekenui: “poor form mid season whether guilty or not”…. Are rugby players not allowed to enjoy going out after any game during the season or even at the end of a tour? Or do you expect them to be on the dry for 11 months in the year??
@Liam Flague: The allegation against Mo’unga is that he spat a mouthful of beer over a woman, deliberately. It seems there is far more in this incident than the other one that wasn’t mentioned in the above story.
@Liam Flague: There’s a big difference between going out for beers and enjoying yourself and drinking to the point you can’t remember your actions. No issue with players having a good time and blowing off steam but getting blackout drunk is never a good idea, particularly the week of a big game before which you have to fly half way around the world.
@Eddie Hekenui: Everybody, okay most people will get intoxicated at least once in their life. That is forgivable if you don’t break the laws, while intoxicated, but he also grouped a woman, which is a problem. He now has to face the consequences for that action.
In any case nothing will come of both incidents, both the victims in of the two separate incidents aren’t pressing charges.
The woman is making the Crusaders aware of what happens, so this can become character evidence in future law procedures.
@Frankie: I agree that getting intoxicated is forgiveable if you don’t break the law but it’s still not great that a player is getting that drunk mid season. And I hope the allegations are taken seriously and investigated. If any/all of the players are found guilty then they should face the consequences and I say that as a Crusaders fan.
@Eddie Hekenui: Out of a public eye-setting, no it is not great. Out of an South African context, if you are a foreigner in Pretoria there isn’t many other ways to celebrate a win on tour *(which is also one of the reasons this stuff happens team-bonding). Also a athlete are more perceptible to alcohol and South Africans in general are heavy drinkers, it’s not recommended to keep pace with the locals.
@Frankie: Having been to Pretoria on the Lions tour I agree there is very little to do in the city bar drink and that the okes there can put them away.
@Eddie Hekenui: as a crusaders fan. Sure you were born and raised on the mean streets of Christchurch….. A lot of judges and jurors on here this evening. Absolutely no facts just hear say
@Liam Flague: Yeah actually I was born and raised in Christchurch. And the only thing I’ve condemned is Mo’unga been intoxicated to the point he can’t remember what he did, something he himself has admitted to.
I’m going to wait and see what Israel Falou has to say about all this before I make up my mind.
It’s no surprise people from South island are idiots
@Ao: Fantastic. A new departure for the42.ie: New Zealand-based provincial shït-stirring.
I’m going to get myself some fush and chups to celebrate.