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Security consultant denies planting ‘stupid bloody bug’ in All Blacks hotel before Australia test last year

Adrian Gard,will appear in court on March 21 after the device was found in a chair during a routine team security sweep of a meeting room prior to last year’s Sydney test

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New Zealand's Jerome Kaino (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring a try against Australia in Sydney. Photo: EPA
Agence France-Presse

A security consultant accused of planting a listening device in a hotel used by the All Blacks said he was innocent on Thursday, insisting he knew nothing about the “stupid bloody bug”.

Adrian Gard, who has worked with New Zealand team for several years, was charged this week with bugging their hotel before last year’s Sydney test against Australia, raising tensions between the teams.

The 51-year-old, who has reportedly protected Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey in the past, denied any involvement.

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“I don’t know anything about this stupid bloody bug,” he told the Sydney Daily Telegraph after being charged with public mischief.

Ardie Savea of New Zealand is tackled by Dane Haylett-Petty of Australia in Sydney. Photo: AFP
Ardie Savea of New Zealand is tackled by Dane Haylett-Petty of Australia in Sydney. Photo: AFP
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“The bug was news to me. I literally had no idea about it until I was told about it.

“I’m really annoyed about the whole thing to tell you the truth. I’m just going to ride the next few months out, the truth will come out in the end.

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