The English squad closed ranks after the allegations surfaced last week. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The English squad closed ranks after the allegations surfaced last week. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The women at the centre of a sex scandal involving four English rugby players have been described by witnesses as "sports groupies" who were cavorting and lap-dancing with the men on the night one claimed she was raped.

The reputation of English rugby is again in the spotlight after speculation four unmarried members of the touring squad were involved in a sexual assault on an 18-year-old girl at Auckland's Hilton Hotel last Sunday morning. The victim, who earlier that night was seen drinking with friends at Auckland's Pony Club, has spoken to police but to date has refused to make a formal complaint.

She sought medical treatment and on Sunday night made her allegations to police that she had been raped, The Sunday-Star Times reported today. The woman was medically examined by police doctors.

Her identity still remains a mystery, although some closely connected with Auckland's bar scene have linked her to several high-profile nightspots where she is said to be a regular.

It is alleged the woman had a three-in-a-bed romp with two players while another two watched. The Herald on Sunday is aware of the names of the four players at the centre of the controversy.

However, for legal reasons, the newspaper has chosen not to name the men, but witnesses have confirmed they were seen drinking cocktails with at last half a dozen young women at the Pony Club last weekend before returning to the Hilton on Auckland's Princes Wharf.

Members of the All Blacks had also been in the bar that night.

Last year, six players from the national side were reprimanded for a 4am session at the Pony Club in the run-up to a crucial showdown with arch rivals Australia. The carousing All Blacks were undone by a member of the public who slipped a letter under the team manager's door denouncing them.

One witness said the girls in question were well-known "sports groupies" and last weekend had been fawning all over the four English players.

"They were climbing all over them with their boobs hanging out. It was shameless behaviour," a witness said.

"I was down there and was gobsmacked to see what was going on, all these drunken girls throwing themselves about. They had no standards or self-respect."

It is understood the girls were among those invited by text message to the club by owner Brooke Howard-Smith.

However, yesterday he maintained he had no clues as to the identity of the alleged victim.