All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith issued with formal warning after lying to New Zealand Rugby

  • 04/11/2017
The halfback has escaped with a warning from NZR following his toilet tryst.
The halfback has escaped with a warning from NZR following his toilet tryst. Photo credit: Getty Images

All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has been issued with a formal warning for lying to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) about circumstances relating to his Christchurch Airport toilet tryst last year.

NZR launched a new independent investigation in August this year following media reports questioning inconsistencies in information provided by Smith to NZR at his original disciplinary hearing.

The investigator has concluded that while there were some inconsistencies between his account at the time and media reports, this did not have any material impact on the outcome of the original hearing. 

"Being honest, particularly in a disciplinary proceeding, is critically important for any employer and that is certainly the case with NZR," said NZR chief executive Steve Tew.

"To reinforce this point, we have issued Aaron Smith with a formal written warning."

Tew said NZR considered the matter closed and would not be making any further comment.

The incident first came to light when the 27-year-old was sent home ahead of the All Blacks' clash against the Springboks in Durban, after details emerged of his behaviour.

Newshub.