England quartet deny sex assault allegations

RFU chief executive Francis Baron has confirmed four England players have denied an allegation of rape and/or serious sexual assault.

The quartet, who are currently on the England tour of New Zealand, have been notified by Auckland Police's adult sexual assault team, who are investigating an alleged incident which is said to have occured at the squad's hotel early last Sunday morning.

The woman at the centre of the initial allegation has not yet made a formal complaint so the players in question have subsequently declined to speak with authorities, after taking independent legal advice.

Rugby Football Union chief, 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.

"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."

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