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French players in scuffle

Auckland – The French rugby team of “spoilt brats” are at it again as television crew and cameramen bore the brunt of one of their outbursts.

France are still in New Zealand following their 8-7 defeat to the host nation in the rugby World Cup final on Sunday.

According to TVNZ’s website, Pascal Pape, Fulgence Ouedraogo, William Servat and Aurelien Rougerie were leaving a local restaurant in downtown Auckland to go back to the hotel where the team are staying when the altercation occurred.

Footage from a ONE News crewman shows photographers on scene snapping away as the four players, accompanied by one of the coaching staff, were leaving the Pastis restaurant.

The footage then clearly shows Pape turning around and exchanging words with another man on the scene while trying to be dragged away by Ouedraogo.

It is alleged that Pape insulted a photographer and spat on him. Another photographer has also accused one of the players of slapping him, however, it has yet to be established who the other alleged player in question is.

A chase ensued as the cameramen tried to question Pape and Co. to which Pape’s response to the cameraman was that he could not speak any English.

"I don't speak English. Sorry,” said Pape.

Once the five arrived at the hotel, Rougerie told the crew that he could not understand why they were being followed before Servat greeted the crew and proceeded to walk inside.

The France team is expected to fly out of New Zealand later this week.

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