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Highlanders issue apology following investigation into boozy night out in Queenstown

By Online Editors
(Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)

Highlanders management have announced that they will issue sanctions to the players involved in a drunken night in Queenstown, that led to damaged property and the arrest of a 24-year-old man.

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In a statement on Monday, Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said a group of seven Highlanders players would face action for behaving “well below the standards” set by the team.

Clark had earlier called for a “thorough investigation” following a Herald on Sunday report that partying players from the Super Rugby franchise had caused damage to an apartment complex they were staying in over the weekend, leaving guests feeling intimidated and one man in police custody.

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Police confirmed a 24-year-old – who is not a Highlanders player – had been arrested after a call-out to The Glebe Apartments about 4am on Saturday.

“From our investigation, we can confirm that no damage at the apartments was caused by any Highlanders player. We can also confirm that no Highlanders player is facing any action from the police,” Clark said.

“Having said that, we’re extremely disappointed that some of our players’ antisocial behaviour forced guests to endure a disturbed night. As a club we apologise unreservedly to those guests involved.”

According to Clark, the Highlanders players were joined at their apartment on Friday night by a group of people some of whom they had only met earlier in the evening.

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“Glebe management received multiple complaints about noise from the apartment during the night. Police were subsequently called and arrested a man and charged him with wilful damage and disorderly behaviour.”

Clark said the club had contacted the Glebe Apartment General Manager and had apologised for the issues caused.

“For the Glebe management and police to be called demonstrates a clear lack of respect for others and this is well below the standards we expect from our players whether assembled as a team or enjoying downtime together,” he said.

“Our messaging to the players is very clear: you are always a Highlander and as such we expect good behavior at all times. Now that the matter has been investigated the players involved will be sanctioned by the club and the entire team will be reminded of their responsibilities around behaviour.”

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On the pitch, the Highlanders have defied expectations this Super Rugby Aotearoa season, winning two of their five matches.

They were given the chance to put their feet up last weekend as they enjoyed a bye from the competition after a thrilling 33-31 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton last time out.

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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