A New Zealand Rugby (NZR) investigation has found that allegations of inappropriate behaviour against All Black Richie Mo’unga while on tour with the Crusaders in South Africa in May could not be "substantiated".
While on tour in South Africa with the Super Rugby side in May, Mo'unga was alleged to have spat beer at a woman and her friends in a bar before inappropriately touching her.
NZR Head of Rugby Nigel Cass said in a statement that Mo’unga acknowledged he had been drinking on the night and had responded poorly when the woman had approached him with the allegation.
"With regard to Richie Mo’unga, the NZR investigation found that the allegations also could not be substantiated. Given the seriousness of these allegations, and the potential consequences, we needed to be confident that what was alleged, actually took place, and we weren’t," said Cass.
George Bridge is alleged to be at the centre of one incident in South Africa, Richie Mo’unga the other. (Source: Other)
"The way he responded to the complainant was inconsistent with NZR values and expectations, and he has acknowledged this and subsequently apologised."
"We feel that he has learned some valuable lessons and we are satisfied that he will not put himself in the same position again in future. We have made our expectations around behaviour clear to him. He has been reminded of his obligation to be a role model for the sport at all times, especially when approached by members of the public - even in a social setting."
The investigation into allegations that Crusaders player George Bridge made homophobic comments to a person at a Cape Town McDonald’s on the same tour were "not upheld".
"This whole case serves as a reminder to all our teams, managers, coaches and players and staff that their behaviour has to be of the highest standard at all times and especially in their interaction with the public and that they uphold the rugby values of respect and responsibility at all times," Cass said.
NZR had asked the Crusaders to urgently review team protocols for post-match activity with Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge saying the team will learn from the experience.
"For us, this is not just about two members of our team; we all need to take some responsibility for this and learn from it," Mansbridge said.
"That is why we are reviewing our policies around alcohol and social media use to ascertain if our existing policies are robust enough and make changes if needed. If we apply the same growth mindset off the field as we do on the field, we’ll all be better people as a result."
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