KEY POINTS:
England rugby manager Rob Andrew has refused to release any details of an alleged incident, under investigation by police, at a hotel involving up to four players in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He said the players concerned have the complete support of all the players and management. He then went on to say that no further comment could be made under the circumstances.
"I am sure you will understand and respect the fact that no further comment can be made," Mr Andrew said.
He refused to take any questions from England and NZ journalists.
Auckland City police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said Auckland CIB were investigating an incident alleged to have happened in a private room at the Hilton after Saturday's game against the All Blacks.
Ms Hegarty would not comment on what the allegation was other than to say it was of a serious nature. She would not comment on whether the person who made the allegation was a female.
Ms Hegarty said officers were receiving "the appropriate level of co-operation from the England Rugby Team management".
The players at the centre of the allegations were with their team in Christchurch, while detectives worked on the case in Auckland, she said.
England spokesman Richard Prescott this morning issued a short statement acknowledging the investigation.
"The England rugby team has been informed by Auckland police that an allegation has been made against four members of the England playing squad," he said.
"Whilst no formal complaint has been made, we are cooperating with the police in their enquiries."
Mr Prescott said there was "nothing to add to that" and there would be no further comment from management.
Ms Hegarty said Hilton management had been spoken to by police.
She said no formal complaint had been made and unless someone was able to corroborate the allegation and back it up, it could "end up going nowhere".
The England squad arrived in Auckland on June 4 with a 32 man squad.
On Saturday they went down to the All Blacks 20 - 37 at Eden Park. A second test in Christchurch will kick-off this Saturday.
Hilton management would not comment when contacted by NZPA.
- with NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF
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