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Former Waikato rugby player Isaac Boss has been told he will not be charged with rape after all.
The 28-year-old, who now plays for Ireland, was arrested by Northern Ireland police in March after a woman alleged he had raped her.
It is understood the woman was a former acquaintance of Boss.
Boss, a halfback who represented New Zealand at the under 19 Rugby World Cup in 1999, vigorously denied the rape allegations at the time.
The subsequent police investigations have resulted in the decision not to press charges.
Boss said that decision reflected the "malicious and unfounded" nature of the allegation.
He said he had always remained confident the rape allegation would be dismissed, and he had "strenuously defended" his good name accordingly.
"But it has been a nightmare worrying that the truth would not come out. While the decision not to bring charges vindicates my reputation, it has been a very distressing and devastating situation for me and my family."
Boss, who hails from Tokoroa, said he was grateful for the support he had received throughout the case from his family, friends and sporting colleagues - from rugby and across the sports community.
A spokesman for the rugby player said it had been Boss's high profile as an international rugby player that had made him vulnerable to the publicity the rape claims attracted.
