KEY POINTS:
Players in the Kiwis league team will not face sexual assault charges because the young woman at the centre of the allegations has decided not to pursue the matter, police say.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell, Wellington CIB said police were "satisfied" an incident had taken place at
a hotel in Lower Hutt last weekend involving the young woman and men linked with the Kiwis league team.
"There's no suggestion that the complaint is a false one, " Mr Borrell said.
Police believed some of the sexual activity had been consensual, he said.
"However, we're unable to determine the criminal culpability of other aspects and that's primarily because the young woman has elected at this point not to continue with her complaint."
Mr Borrell said police had conducted a range of inquiries, including interviews with the woman.
Police had "actively supported" her during the week, but it was "very, very unlikely" she would change here mind and pursue the claim, he said.
"Ultimately the decision whether to continue is hers and we fully respect that and as a result of that it's no longer feasible for us to continue."
Police did not take these kind of prosecutions forward without a victim's support, Mr Borrell said.
"Bearing in mind sexual assaults are primarily about the loss of power and control, we have strong principals as far as not doing that again and pursuing complaints where complainants don't wish to pursue it."
The men had identified themselves to management of New Zealand Rugby League, who had passed their identities and accounts of what had happened on to police, he said.
He would not comment on whether or not they had admitted any wrong doing.
The Kiwis players involved in the police investigation into the alleged sexual assault have been disciplined, but will not be named.
New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers today confirmed disciplinary measures had been taken against the players.
Chalmers said the NZRL derived no satisfaction from the outcome, and was disappointed with the players concerned.
"We're glad the police have resolved the matter but we regret what happened and want to make it clear we don't condone the behaviour that prompted the police investigation.
"While no criminal charges will be laid, there were clear breaches of team protocols from the players concerned and disciplinary action has been taken accordingly."
Chalmers said as the issue was now an internal matter and an employment issue, it would be inappropriate to publicly name the players involved or to disclose the details of the disciplinary action we have taken.
The NZRL has already begun a review of its policies and management structure in relation to tour conduct, he said.
"All players have been reminded of the expectations we have of them including their contractual obligations and the code of conduct we have in place, he said.
- NZPA
