KEY POINTS:
Police have decided to lay no charges after allegations Crusaders rugby players were involved in a street fracas.
Brothers Tamati and Mana Riritahi alleged they were attacked by several Crusaders players a day after the Super 14 franchise's loss to the Chiefs at Jade Stadium here.
The brothers said they sustained black eyes, a broken nose, cuts and bruises in the melee near Christchurch's nightclub strip.
They named midfielder Rua Tipoki as the person who started the fight, and former All Blacks winger Caleb Ralph, and Northland draftee Jake Paringatai among other Crusaders players involved.
But Tipoki's father, Reihana Tipoki, said his son and the other Crusaders were just defending themselves.
Police today said the investigation into the incident had been completed and no charges would be laid.
"All those involved in the incident -- team members and members of the public -- have been warned for fighting," Inspector Gary Knowles said.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach welcomed the decision by police not to lay any charges.
"We're pleased that the police have finished their investigation into this matter, and satisfied with and have accepted their finding," he said.
"As such, we have no further comment to make on this issue."
- NZPA
