Crusaders management has denied accusations that players made homophobic 'attacks' against patrons of a Cape Town McDonald's outlet over the weekend.
The allegations have surfaced on social media, where user 'adamlennoxx' tweeted about an encounter with the visiting Crusaders team on Saturday night, after the defending Super Rugby champions drew 19-19 with the home-team Stormers.
"We were attacked by members of the New Zealand rugby team in the McDonald's on Long/Kloof St last night," he claims. "As we entered, we were met with jeering and sniggers from them.
"They then proceeded to record us as a joke (also, upon looking on his phone screen, it was a recording for either Insta/Snapchat). When catching them in the act, they told us they did it because we looked funny to them.
"They then said they can record us in a public space if they want to. Upon telling them that this is wrong, they then began physically intimidating us (coming up to our faces, telling us we better stop arguing or they will 'f**k us up if we don't watch it').
"Then, after arguing that straight white men are losing power - we were met with homophobic slurs, limp wrists and high-pitched voices, which were clearly in gest [sic]."
Adamlennoxx also posted a three-second video of one of the alleged offenders, who was not readily identifiable as a player, coach or member of the immediate Crusaders support team. He is believed to be a local security advisor attached to the team.
"If you wanna be queerphobic, we will record you, since you recorded us for your joke," said the post.
Later posts singled out players George Bridge and David Havili as alleged culprits, while the Crusaders Instagram account was also subjected to a barrage of accusations and abuse.
"Homophobia is ugly and so are you," says one. "Go back home, no-one tolerates your behaviour here. Disgusting."
Another said: "Oh, what a surprise. A group of narcissistic males being homophobic once again.
"F**k you and your misogynistic attitudes. To think that people look up to you guys sickens me."
The team are currently flying from South Africa back to Christchurch, but NZ-based management has spoken to travelling officials, who confirmed the incident took place, but not as detailed by complainants.
"The BNZ Crusaders have been made aware of allegations of an incident in Cape Town, involving some of our players," the franchise tweeted.
"Allegations have been made via social media that there was a verbal altercation between members of the public and some Crusaders players, who were out getting food after the match against the Stormers in Cape Town.
"The original post claimed players exhibited homophobic behaviour.
"The three players, team management and the South African-based security advisor with them strongly refute the socialised account of what happened. They are devastated by the allegation and the implication of homophobic behaviour."
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said his organisaton was committed to inclusivity and had earned Rainbow Tick certification as an inclusive environment.
"That is what makes these allegations particularly distriessing," he says. "Given the serious nature of these allegations, I will be meeting with the team management and players on their return to Christchurch.
"However, I am confident in the account that we have received from the team and the security advisor who was present."
Bridge and Havili are both fringe members of the All Blacks squad preparing for this year's Rugby World Cup, but coach Steve Hansen said he knew nothing about the allegations.
We will update this story once the Crusaders team arrives back in the country.
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