The New Zealand Rugby Union has expressed its outrage at the revelation that French centre Mathieu Bastareaud fabricated the story that he was assaulted in Wellington after the second Test against the All Blacks last weekend.
Bastareaud has issued a statement apologising for making up the story which captured headlines around the world.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew says like many New Zealanders, he's disappointed that the player chose to make a false statement and cast a negative light on rugby, Wellington and New Zealand through his deception.
Tew says he will be expressing their concerns to the French Rugby Federation.
Tew says they share the concerns of Wellington City Mayor Kerry Prendergast and Wellington Area Police at the distress, negative publicity and the unnecessary concern this has caused for many people - and will be talking further about this with the FFR.
