French rooster smuggler falls fowl of stadium

A French rugby supporter has fallen fowl of stadium security at Napier's McLean Park after trying to take a rooster into the match between France and Canada last night.

Police said they were generally pleased with the crowd's behaviour at the sold-out match, which saw France win over Canada by 46-19.

But while most fans were well-behaved, some 14 people were removed from the grounds for drunkenness and smoking cannabis.

Operations commander Inspector Mike O'Leary said the supporters who came to police attention were all international tourists - including a French supporter who tried to take a rooster into the grounds.

Roosters are a national symbol for France and releasing a cockerel into stadium grounds has become a fan ritual at matches.

Mr O'Leary said one French national was arrested for disorderly behaviour and another was evicted from the ground for indecent exposure.

Two Australians were evicted after trying to bring alcohol into the grounds, while three Canadians were evicted for smoking cannabis at the match.

Mr O'Leary said there appeared to be no problems with alcohol at the grounds and a controlled purchase operation resulted in no alcohol being served to minors.

He said any alcohol issues were likely to be the result of "pre-loading" before the game.

"It's pleasing to see that there were no major problems at the game and we applaud the good behaviour of all those who attended," he said.

St John Ambulance staff treated three people for minor injuries.

- APNZ