'Intoxicated' Australian rugby star James O'Connor in airport row
Latest controversy involving 'intoxicated' winger sees him refused access to flight
The Australian Rugby Union is investigating reports that Wallabies winger James O'Connor was escorted by police from Perth airport last weekend after being refused access to a flight because airline staff said he was intoxicated.
A statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) released to the media read: "The AFP can confirm it spoke to a 23-year-old man at Perth International Airport in the early hours of [Sunday]."
"It is alleged the man was intoxicated. The airline the man was booked to travel with made a decision not to allow him to board the aircraft. The AFP subsequently escorted the man from the terminal."
O'Connor played flyhalf for Australia in their series defeat to the British & Irish Lions earlier this year, before being moved back to the wing for the Rugby Championship by new coach Ewen McKenzie. He has won 44 caps for his country since 2008.
"Earlier this week, Australian Rugby Union was made aware of an alleged incident involving James O'Connor at Perth International Airport in the early hours of Sunday," said an Australian Rugby Union (ARU) statement released yesterday.