All Blacks and Super Rugby management have had their hands full on Sunday, managing the fallout from a weekend of shenanigans involving high-profile players.
Hurricanes utility Jordie Barrett was interviewed by police in Dunedin on Saturday morning, after he mistakenly entered the wrong student flat, while trying to visit a friend in the Otago University district.
The Blues were also in damage control, after an incident that saw All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane involved in an altercation with a teammate, after their 20-10 loss to the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.
- Police quiz Jordie Barrett over Dunedin house call
- Jordie Barrett explains what happened that morning in Dunedin
Ioane was treated at a local A&E clinic for a cut above his eye, but played down the incident.
"We were just poking fun at each other," said Ioane. "It’s not serious, and I’ve apologised to my teammates and the club."
Blues CEO Michael Redman said the club would check on the incident this week to determine if there were any breaches of team protocol.
Both Barrett and Ioane reported to All Blacks camp on Sunday afternoon to prepare for the upcoming three-test series against France.
Earlier Sunday, Barrett confronted media over his mix-up, which occurred a few hours after the Hurricanes fell 30-14 to the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"From my end, we made a human error," he said. "We went into the wrong flat and that's all it is.
"I'm just disappointed with events that have unfolded. I don't believe I've caused any harm to anyone.
"I had a couple of drinks with mates, but I can recall everything that happened that night and I was not intoxicated."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told NZME Barrett won't be punished for his actions.
"He won't get reprimanded for anything other than being stupid," he said. "What we want him to be able to learn from this is 'how can I do things differently next time'."
Newshub.
