The cost of a player's fibs

Five detectives worked fulltime on French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud's phoney assault claim to try to stop damage to NZ's reputation.

Inquiry head Inspector Pete Cowan said he hated to think how much money had gone into the investigation.

Bastareaud, 20, issued a statement early yesterday saying he lied about being attacked, after NZ Police told the French Rugby Union they had footage of Bastareaud returning to the hotel unharmed. The dreadlocked centre had previously claimed he was attacked, suffering severe cuts and bruising.

But the confession was out of obligation, not the goodness of his heart, Mr Cowan said.

"We outlined clearly our findings which showed Mr Bastareaud's allegations were pure fabrication and suggested that Mr Bastareaud reconsider his position."

Meanwhile, back in France, Bastareaud has apologised for lying, saying he drank too much after the Test loss and hit his head on a table. He worried the injury would jeopardise his position on the team and fabricated a story.

French Rugby Federation president Pierre Camou has said disciplinary action will be taken against the player.