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The English rugby team flew home from Christchurch yesterday with sexual assault claims against four players still unresolved.
The four unmarried team members were accused of involvement in a rape or sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman at Auckland's Hilton Hotel after the first test against the All Blacks a week ago.
Members of Auckland City police's Adult Sexual Assault Team flew to Christchurch late last week to speak to the four players but were told by lawyers on Friday morning the accused would not be talking to police at this stage. Their lack of cooperation combined with the lack of formal complaint from the alleged victim will make it hard for police to make a case, especially now that the players are believed to have left the country.
Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said there had not been a formal complaint by the alleged victim by Friday night.
Ms Hegarty was unavailable for comment yesterday but has said that police would continue to investigate the allegation as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file.
The Sunday Star-Times reported that the alleged victim, an Auckland bar worker, left the Hilton after the alleged assault and sought medical treatment.
She is then said to have made her allegations to police on Sunday night before being medically examined by police doctors.
The woman was one of several who met a group of English rugby players at nightclub Pony after the team lost to the All Blacks a week ago. It is alleged she went with them to the Hilton and was sexually assaulted by two players while another two watched.
British newspapers say an investigation is likely once the players return home and the identities of the four players involved could be revealed in an attempt to prevent damage being done to the reputation of other players.
Video: England team keeping mum on allegations