The Chiefs have come under fire for alleged public misconduct following their 24-13 loss to Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final. Certain team members are accused of spending the rest of the night in drunken revelry and generally making conditions miserable for their fellow hotel guests.
The incident in question took place at the Novotel Hotel in Cathedral Square. According to witnesses, some of the team spent much of the night drinking, breaking bottles, and making unwanted noise late into the early hours the following morning.
Players were also alleged to have been found naked in the hotel’s hallways.
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The allegations are something the Chiefs are taking very seriously. However, after an in-house investigation, the team have released a statement saying their players were not connected to the accusations in any way.
Chiefs CEO Michael Collins said: “We have thoroughly worked through the guest’s complaint and, in particular, the descriptions of the people involved.
“While we will continue to investigate with our players and staff, we are confident that based on our inquiries to date none of our people were on the 12th floor or were involved in unruly behaviour that upset other hotel guests.
“If the team were responsible, we would take immediate and swift action. At this point in time, all the facts gathered suggest that we are not responsible.”
After a successful turnaround from last year’s nightmare season, the Chiefs came up just short in the end.
One bright spot throughout their season was the return to form of Damian McKenzie. Although his boot let him down somewhat in the final, it’s clear the Chiefs would have been very different in his absence.
The All Blacks are clearly spoiled with fullback selection at the moment.
Damian McKenzie Aotearoa Final player cam:
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