Umaga target of threats

LONDON - All Blacks rugby captain Tana Umaga was subjected to threats while in Ireland, but team management deny reports they were against his life.

The Ireland edition of the Sunday Mirror newspaper reported that Umaga received death threats while in Dublin, and that armed guards checked guests at their hotel.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand said the Sunday Mirror story was "a complete overstatement", but was reluctant to say any more.

He did admit the regular security which the All Blacks had on all their tours was stepped up in Ireland.

"Given the feeling we were getting from people after what happened during the Lions tour, the level of security was above what we would normally have," said Shand.

- NZPA