Novotel Hotel in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Photo / George Heard
Novotel Hotel in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Photo / George Heard
Allegations that a post-match event for defeated Super Rugby team the Chiefs ended with alleged nudity, vomiting and a trail of noisy carnage in a Christchurch hotel have been strongly denied.
Just hours after the Crusaders took their fifth consecutive tournament title the losing team gathered for a function atthe Novotel hotel in Cathedral Square.
Players, staff and families attended.
Guests later alleged they were kept awake much of the night as attendees misbehaved.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson celebrates after their win. Photo / Photosport
A statement was released by the Chiefs at midday about the situation.
They confirmed a private function was held on the hotel's second floor.
"The function was attended by coaches, players, board, staff and family members. The function was held without incident and was enjoyed by all the Chiefs whānau."
The franchise acknowledged a formal complaint by a hotel guest staying on teh 12th floor.
"No players or persons directly associated with the team were staying on the 12th floor," said Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins.
"We have thoroughly worked through the guest's complaint and, in particular, the descriptions of the people involved.," he said.
"While we will continue to investigate with our players and staff, we are confident that based on our inquiries to date none of our people were on the 12th floor or were involved in unruly behaviour that upset other hotel guests."
Collins said he was "extremely sympathetic" to the guests who had their sleep disturbed.
"If the team were responsible, we would take immediate and swift action.," he said.
"At this point in time all the facts gathered suggest that we are not responsible."
