Rugby World Cup: Scotland exit defended

Not only did Scotland have to deal with their loss to England, but also with the IRB wanting to turf them out of their hotel. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A claim the IRB ejected Scottish players from their Auckland hotel before they'd been officially ousted from the Rugby World Cup tournament has been rubbished.

Rugby writer Peter Bills this morning said the Scotland team was accusing the IRB of treating its players like "pieces of meat".

He said the Scots were told to be out of their hotel in the Sky City complex at 9am yesterday, while they still had a chance of making a cup quarter final.

It was not until later that afternoon, after Argentina defeated Georgia 25-7, that their exit from the tournament was confirmed.

In a statement issued this morning, Rugby NZ 2011 said Mr Bills was wrong on a number of counts and accused him of not checking his facts.

It said hotel arrangements are not made by the IRB, they are managed by tournament organiser Rugby NZ 2011.

It said "extensive discussions" had been held with Scottish team management about possible travel arrangements last week.

The Scottish Rugby Union, Rugby NZ 2011 and the IRB had agreed players would not pack their bags until they had either qualified or been eliminated, the statement said.

"As soon as Scotland gained a bonus point against England, it was confirmed to Scotland they would not have to leave their hotel until at least Monday.

"Once Argentina beat Georgia and qualified in second place, Scottish team management requested a number of team members leave last night rather than waiting for Monday or even Tuesday. This was requested by the team, not suggested by Rugby NZ 2011."

The remaining team members will relocate to an airport hotel today and will depart on flights to Scotland today and tomorrow, it said.

Rugby NZ 2011 said it had the full support of the Scottish team.

It provided a statement from Scotland team media manager Graham Law, who said Mr Bills' report was "totally inaccurate".

"The Scotland party wish to convey our sincere thanks to Rugby World Cup and Rugby NZ 2011 for all their support during the tournament and wish them every success for the remainder of the competition," he said.

"Furthermore we want to place on record our gratitude for the warmth of greeting we have received throughout New Zealand."