Police in England investigation

New Zealand police are investigating a 'serious allegation' against four England players after an alleged incident in a hotel.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place in a private room at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday morning, following England's 37-30 defeat to the All Blacks.

Auckland police have not confirmed the nature of their inquiry, but have been keen to point out that no formal complaint has yet been made. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed it was fully co-operating.

An RFU spokesman said in a statement: "The England rugby team has been informed by Auckland police that an allegation has been made against four members of the England playing squad.

"We are co-operating with the police and their inquiries. In the circumstances we cannot make any other comment."

The RFU's elite director of rugby, Rob Andrew, insisted: "The players concerned have the complete support of all the players and the management."