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Police are investigating a young woman's claim that she was sexually violated by men believed to be players for the Kiwis league team.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell of the Wellington Police said the assault was alleged to have taken place on Sunday in the team's room
at the Angus Inn hotel in Lower Hutt.
The Kiwis, who were thrashed 58-0 by the Kangaroos at Westpac Stadium on Sunday afternoon, stayed at the hotel before flying to Auckland and on to Britain yesterday afternoon.
Mr Borrell said the woman was very distressed by what had happened.
He said police had contacted New Zealand Rugby League management but their inquiry was only in its early stages.
"Given that the team is now playing overseas, it will be some time before our inquiry is completed."
Mr Borrell said police would be focusing on establishing the identities of the men allegedly involved.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) general manager Peter Cordtz confirmed police had informed management about their investigation but wouldn't comment on the allegation.
"As this matter is in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate for any comment to be made at this stage ... " he said.
Cordtz said NZRL had not been informed of any of the details in relation to the investigation.
Police have spent two days interviewing staff at the hotel where the assault was alleged to have taken place.
The Kiwis had already left The Angus Inn hotel when police made acting manager Kerry Parkins aware of the complaint, which did not involve a hotel worker.
Ms Parkins said she had had no trouble from the league side in the six days they stayed, and the police investigation had come as a surprise to her and her staff.
In her experience, poor behaviour was out of character for the Kiwis, who had stayed at the hotel before.
She would be happy to have them back, she said.
The Angus Inn has security cameras, though not in private areas, said Ms Parkins , who would not comment on whether police had asked to see footage.
Ms Parkins said the Angus Inn, which often hosted sports sides, had worked hard to get the Kiwis to stay there "it's not five star in the middle of the city".
The Kiwis flew to Britain via Malaysia to play three tests against Britain and one against France.
They were due to land at London's Heathrow Airport this evening.
- NZHERALD STAFF / NZPA
