Share

Lions to probe sexual assault

Johannesburg - The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) said on Monday that neither the players nor any of their administrators had been contacted by New Zealand authorities with regards to a player accused of sexual assault.

New Zealand website stuff.co.nz reported a Lions rugby player had been allegedly involved in a case of sexual assault in Dunedin following their Super Rugby 26-22 victory over the Highlanders on Saturday.

The Lions immediately issued a statement on behalf of the union's president Kevin de Klerk denying they had any knowledge of the incident.

"No direct contact from any authorities from New Zealand has been received."

The website reported the police had confirmed that the alleged assault took place during the early hours of Sunday morning and involved a 18-year-old female.

The alleged incident took place in the hours after the touring South African team beat the Highlanders 26-22 in their Super Rugby match at Carisbrook on Saturday night.

It is understood an 18-year-old University of Otago student complained that she was sexually assaulted.

Friends of the girl at one of the University's halls of residence said they had been warned not to talk to reporters about the incident, stuff.co.nz reported..

Otago University communications manager Megan McPherson said the incident was a "police matter".

Police on Monday apparently requested video footage from a bar in central Dunedin.

De Klerk said the union would work closely with the Lions rugby team management to investigate the report.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
50% - 5 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
50% - 5 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE