13 Sep 2011

Ministers reject RWC bad behaviour report

12:30 pm on 13 September 2011

Three Government ministers have rejected out of hand a media report that one of them swore and behaved inappropriately while acting as a host at a Rugby World Cup match.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that an un-named minister swore, booed and labelled the Australian team cheats during the Australia - Italy match at North Harbour stadium on Sunday.

Maurice Williamson, Jonathan Coleman and Wayne Mapp have confirmed they were in a VIP lounge for the match and all deny anything untoward happened.

"I can tell you everyone had a good time and everyone enjoyed the games," Dr Mapp said. "I frankly think this is essentially a made-up story."

Prime Minister John Key said the ministers have assured him they did not swear or use abusive language.

He said he checked with two other people who were present, and asked for a non-sugar-coated version of events, and was told the ministers acted well.