Publications
Partners
Wellington - Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman has sent a letter to the Hamilton-based franchise's fans and sponsors regarding the team's players' behaviour at their recent end-of-season party.
In the letter, Flexman said the Chiefs have a responsibility to look at the team's behaviour and he welcomed New Zealand Rugby's investigation into allegations made following the team's post-season celebrations.
This follows incidents at the team's end-of-season ‘Mad Monday’ function in which a stripper alleges that she was mistreated by players.
"There has been a lot of discussion over the past week around the behaviour of Chiefs players at post season events in 2015 and 2016 and we just wanted to address this directly with you, our fans, sponsors and stakeholders," said Flexman via a press release on the Chiefs' official website.
"We have always prided ourselves on the values and behaviour of our team and like you, we are disappointed and concerned by the allegations we are hearing.
"There is an investigation underway, which is being led by New Zealand Rugby, regarding the allegations that have been made.
"We welcome the investigation as given the varying accounts of what occurred it is important for both the players and the women involved that we establish exactly what happened.
"Once the investigation is completed we can make a decision about any further action. While we understand it is frustrating for the fans, sponsors, stakeholders, players and their families it is important that the investigation process be respected by everyone involved.
"The Chiefs have a set of organisational values around accountability and authenticity, and we remain incredibly proud of the hard work and success the Chiefs have had. This success has been widely recognised by others and our players have been a huge part of building that.
"Given the nature of the allegations we are hearing, as a management team we have a responsibility to our fans, all the members of our organisation, our sponsors, stakeholders and the players, to look at the behaviour of our team to ensure we live up to our values at all times.
"It is important that our players, as role models in our society, live up to the high standards you expect of them. As a management team it is our role to make sure our players are the best they can be both on and off the field."
