British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler arrested after third test draw with New Zealand
Forward escorted back to team hotel in early hours of Sunday morning following 15-15 stalemate in series decider at Eden Park
The police said “a male was placed under arrest but was not charged after further inquiries established that the incident did not warrant prosecution.”
New Zealand media reports said the incident involving Sinckler happened around 3am on Sunday in central Auckland and the 24-year-old rugby forward was escorted by police officers to the Lions’ hotel.
“I apologise for putting myself and the Lions in this position and also to the police and anyone else affected,” said Sinckler according to Fairfax, citing a statement from the Lions.
Radio New Zealand, quoting the same Lions statement, said tour manager John Spencer had addressed the issue with Sinckler and would take no further action.
“I have spoken to Kyle and reminded him of his responsibilities as a Lion, which extend to his off the field behaviour,” Spencer said.
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“Kyle has apologised for any inconvenience caused and we are satisfied that he regrets this incident and that this is the end of the matter.”
Sinckler was on the bench for all three tests against the All Blacks, including Saturday’s 15-15 draw, which resulted in the three-match series ending drawn 1-1 for the first time in history for the Lions in New Zealand.
He was involved in an ugly spat with All Blacks reserve halfback TJ Perenara after the final whistle of the second test in Wellington.
The prop reportedly made a comment and refused to walk through a guard of honour formed by the All Blacks after the Lions’ 24-21 win.
Earlier in the gruelling six-week tour, Sinckler spoke about his reputation as a hot head, admitting he had let his aggressive streak get the better of him in the past.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
