Sir Owen's big night out

Ex-head coach Matthew Elliott (L), Sir Owen Glenn (R) and Sam Tomkins were at a meal that allegedly turned sour. Photo / File

Club’s angry co-owner berated by Warriors’ chair.

Warriors co-owner Sir Owen Glenn has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards several of the club's star players during an evening at an upmarket Viaduct restaurant.

The multi-millionaire asked three-star recruits, including Sam Tomkins and then head coach Matthew Elliott, to join him for a meal at Euro Restaurant in February.

Sir Owen is said to have encouraged the players to drink shots, days out from a major tournament, and was involved in other behaviour that concerned his high-profile guests.

Sir Owen disputes the version of events, saying he was the subject of a "witch-hunt". He said he offered the players a drink on arrival.

"It is, by any stretch of the imagination, a witch-hunt ... and rather pathetic."

But the players appear to have been unimpressed and later raised concerns with Warriors management.

Club chairman Bill Wavish wrote to Sir Owen's representatives on February 20 to express concerns about the alleged behaviour.

The Herald on Sunday has obtained a copy of the email, titled "Serious Damage", in which Wavish outlines his concerns. Wavish notes that among Sir Owen's alleged behaviour were "extreme comments about his sex life".

Sir Owen denied that on Friday, saying it would be "impertinent" to suggest he would discuss his private life with players.

In the explosive email, Wavish also raised concerns about Sir Owen allegedly insulting sponsors, buying sex toys for players' wives and threatening to withdraw the Warriors from the Auckland Nines tournament.

"It is extremely fortunate these events have not been reported by the media as they would have resulted in public ridicule and highly undesirable and damaging PR," Wavish wrote.

The email's release is an unwelcome distraction for the Warriors as they prepare to take on Penrith in tonight's do-or-die clash for a spot in the top eight finals of the NRL.

Wavish could not be reached for comment and fellow co-owner Eric Watson declined to comment.

A Euro restaurant manager said they had no record of any complaints involving Sir Owen.

The allegations are the latest twist in a long-running stoush between Sir Owen and Watson.