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Tuesday, 13 December 2005 |
Australian Rugby League deny binge drinking
The Australian Rugby League has denied the allegations of binge
drinking by the squad during the British leg of their Tri-Nations
campaign and ARL chairman Colin Love has rejected claims that alcohol
affected the team's performance in the 24-0 final defeat to New Zealand
last month.
"Players and officials with the team have told me it was the quietest tour of all time," Colin Love said.
"I was there for the final two weeks and saw no evidence of binge drinking."
Colin Love claimed the allegations came after a confidential report
from John Hayes, a tour co-manager, had been leaked to the press.
"The report has been distorted," Colin Love said.
"It contains a single paragraph on the subject of alcohol - and that is
a passing mention - reflecting the manager's surprise at the amount of
alcohol consumed by some players when relaxing after a match.
"I am aware members of the team relaxed over drinks on the final night
of the tour when their commitments were over, but I'd imagine that has
been the case with every travelling team for the last 100 years.
"But there was no regular binge drinking and limited alcohol consumption during the entire tour."
Colin Love also denied suggestions that Ricky Stuart was appointed as
the replacement national coach because of coach Wayne Bennett's failure
to monitor the amount of alcohol consumed. Wayne Bennett had quit the
job after the shock 24-0 loss to New Zealand at Elland Road.
"Over a period of seasons no-one in rugby league has been
firmer than Wayne Bennett on the need to curb binge drinking by
players," Colin Love said.
"His setting of standards of discipline for players and his
determination to reduce opportunities for alcohol to be consumed have
helped create a new culture within teams."
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Last Updated ( Friday, 16 December 2005 )
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