Warrior and girlfriend split

Jasmin McQuinn and Kevin Locke. Photo / Getty Images

Kevin Locke, the young Warriors league star under investigation for an alleged sexual assault, recently split from his girlfriend, a Black Sticks hockey star.

A close friend of Locke, who asked not to be named, said he and Jasmin McQuinn, who had been going out for two years, recently parted.

McQuinn had moved out of the North Shore rental home she shared with Locke and a friend.

McQuinn's relationship status on internet site Facebook has been changed to single.

The friend said McQuinn moved out a few weeks ago but Locke had said the break-up was not related to the police investigation.

A woman has laid a complaint with Auckland police alleging she was sexually assaulted by Locke.

The New Zealand Herald has reported that the incident happened in the past fortnight, in Locke's car one night in central Auckland.

An announcement on the Warriors' website said Locke strenuously denied any wrongdoing and the league player outed himself to avoid speculation. No charges have been laid.

McQuinn is understood to be back in Whangarei and her mother Helena McQuinn, when contacted, said: "I don't think I should comment ...

"I don't think Jasmin should either."

Locke's friend said, however, the player was well known for womanising. He and a previous girlfriend had split for that reason.

McQuinn had been warned about Locke's behaviour but had put up with it, the friend said.

There was a lot of temptation from young women "hitting [sports stars] up when they're out ... but Kevin doesn't really help himself".

"Maybe he needs to grow up."

The friend said mature players and mentors had tried to warn Locke not to allow the lifestyle associated with his fame to land him "in a position like this".

More mature players on the team "hardly ever go out".

A spokesperson for the Warriors said the team's young players all had training to deal with the social stresses of professional sport.

As well as internal training, players attended NRL programmes which involve regular meetings and conferences.

It's understood Locke's mother, Ora Wilson-Locke, is deeply embarrassed about the allegations against her son and the publicity it had received.

A source said she only found out her son was involved in the alleged incident after being told by a friend.

Locke played fullback for Warriors feeder club the Vulcans yesterday at Mt Smart Stadium. His team beat the Newtown Jets 60-10. Locke didn't score a try but his performance was described as "energetic".