21 May 2010

Johnson warns England stars to beware

5:08 am on 21 May 2010

The England rugby manager Martin Johnson has warned his players to beware of off-the-field pitfalls that could trap them during their tour to Australia and New Zealand.

England's New Zealand tour in 2008 was marred by allegations that four players were involved in the rape of a teenage barmaid in Auckland the night after the first of two Test matches against the All Blacks.

The woman didn't make a formal complaint to the police and the players denied any wrongdoing, although two were found guilty of misconduct and reprimanded for staying out all night.

Johnson says these days cellphones have cameras and players have been told in no uncertain terms about the dangers going on tour can pose off the field.