26 Oct 2011

Tew says French eye gouger will be judged by peers

3:34 pm on 26 October 2011

The New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says the France centre Aurelien Rougerie, who's accused of eye gouging the All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, will be judged by his peers.

Footage of Rougerie apparently gouging All Blacks captain Richie McCaw across his eyes has been released after the All Blacks skipper played down the incident.

The images have been described as damning and indefensible, and if found guilty Rougerie would have faced up to six months on the sidelines.

However no action is likely as Tew says the NZRU haven't lodged a complaint and the citing period for the game is now over.

Meanwhile Tew has hinted Graham Henry won't reapply for the All Blacks coaching job after confirming just one of the current coaches will be involved in the application process.