England players close ranks over hotel allegation

WELLINGTON (AFP) — The England rugby team closed ranks Thursday and refused to comment on the uproar surrounding a "serious allegation" against four players at a luxury Auckland hotel.

England captain Steve Borthwick spoke to the media in Christchurch but refused to comment on the police investigation, saying the team's attention was entirely on Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks.

"When you've got a game against the All Blacks at the weekend the focus is very clear," he said.

"The players have worked tremendously hard in training. We will provide a better performance and a better account of ourselves this weekend.

Borthwick referred any questions over the alleged incident at Auckland's waterfront Hilton Hotel early on Sunday to acting head coach Rob Andrew, but the coach stayed silent Thursday.

The police also refused to comment, although state-owned Television New Zealand reported that detectives did not ...