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England four set to be named

Friday 04th July 2008

The four England players alleged to have sexually assaulted an Auckland woman during June's tour are set to be named by RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett early next week.

Blackett said he had been prepared to name the four on Friday, but the statement and letter sent to the RFU on behalf of the woman by her lawyers on Friday has prompted a re-think.

"I have received a letter and, in the light of what it contains, my investigation will now take a few more days," said Blackett to The Guardian.

He was not prepared to divulge the contents of the correspondence.

"It seems that the woman is not going to take the matter further in New Zealand, but it means it will be Monday or Tuesday before I will be in a position to finalise my report. The four players at the centre of the investigation will then be named."

A spokeswoman for the teenage woman, Glenda Hughes, said that the letter had been sent to Blackett as the woman felt she needed to inform him of what had happened.

"The woman went back to the England hotel with one player and the situation got out of control," she said.

"The letter was sent to Judge Blackett because the inquiry into the allegations in England had not contacted her or the police and she wanted the committee to hear both sides.

"Even though she is not known, she feels it is wrong people should look at the situation in the wrong light. She personally wanted the details corrected."

Pressure is now upon Blackett to view the situation in light of new evidence - in the form of a personal testimony - which could have a more damning effect on the players involved.

His potential punitive reaction could thus trigger further action in New Zealand, should he conclude that the players were culpable of the alleged offence in some way.

"I will need to see the players again," said Blackett.

"It is going to be a busy weekend for me."