All Black absolved on punching claim

Waikato rugby player and new All Black Keith Robinson, accused of injuring a Coromandel campground owner in a New Year's Day scuffle, did not throw the punch that caused the problem.

Kuaotunu Motor Camp owner Michael Savage has cleared up the matter, saying that Robinson did not hit him in the head during a fight at the camp near Whitianga on January 1.

Mr Savage said he was hit accidentally by another camper, who was involved in the scuffle with Robinson and his brother Mike.

Mr Savage collapsed 10 days later and was taken to Auckland Hospital with bleeding on the brain.

He said he had never stated that Robinson hit him, "but I suppose it could be assumed that's what happened".

Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson said Robinson had wanted to defend himself, but was instructed by the union not to speak about the incident because there were fears it would "inflame the situation".

Robinson made a brief statement in May when he said he did not assault Mr Savage and that he could "in no way be held responsible for any injuries sustained by him".

He later apologised to Mr Savage for any trouble he and his brother may have caused. No charges were laid.

But Mr Savage still holds the Robinson brothers responsible. He said they were drunk and began "causing trouble" by abusing a group of campers who were rugby league supporters.

"Other campers were becoming upset ... I rounded up a group of blokes and we tried to throw them out."

During a scuffle the camper threw a punch at Mike Robinson, but hit Mr Savage, who was standing behind him.

The camper "instantly" realised what he had done as Mr Savage spun around and fell to the ground.

Mr Savage said he was hit again on the back of the head - "but I don't know who by".

He did not want the camper charged - "he was only trying to help out".

Keith Robinson decline to comment before he flew out for the All Blacks' tour of England, France and Wales.

- NZPA