The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Rugby Australia investigating allegations of drunken behaviour by 7s team on flight home

(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
3rd August, 2021
19
1511 Reads

Rugby Australia has confirmed they are investigating allegations of poor behaviour from the Australian men’s rugby sevens team on their Japan Airlines flight home from the Tokyo Olympics following complaints from the carrier.

Details have not been released but there have been allegatiuons of drunken behaviour.

“Rugby Australia has been made aware of incidents involving the Australian men’s sevens program after being informed by the Australian Olympic Committee,” RA said in statement.

“Rugby Australia has begun its own internal investigation into the matter based on the information provided by the AOC.

“Rugby Australia expects the highest standards of all its employees, modelling the values of our game – respect, integrity, passion and teamwork.”

The allegations come on the same day Australia team boss Ian Chesterman said some Australian athletes left Olympic village rooms in an “unacceptable” condition.

Amid reports that cleaners had to mop up vomit, Chesterman confirmed a hole was left in one wall and that Australia’s emu and kangaroo mascots went missing in the Games village for several days.

“There was some damage in the rooms and some were left messy,” said chef de mission Chesterman, who on Tuesday reported no disciplinary action would be taken against Australian athletes who had prompted a COVID-19 scare by mingling with other residents inside the village.

Advertisement

“I consider the damage minor. The rooms were not trashed in any way.

“I want to focus on the fact that some people have made a mistake and had left the room in conditions that we thought were unacceptable.

“It was unacceptable because people had to move into those rooms afterwards.

“It’s a matter of a small number of people making a mistake and they’re going to have to live with that.

“I’ve had expressions of great remorse from a number of athletes who were involved in these incidents.

“They feel disappointed they have contributed to this conversation about behavioural matters in a team that has been exceptional on and off the field.”

Chesterman said causing damage to “very flimsy” room walls in the village was not difficult to do.

Advertisement

“There was a hole in the wall, but that’s pretty easy to do,” he said.

“I understand there’s some big people and some very flimsy walls, temporary walls as well. I don’t think you had to do much to put a hole in the wall.”

Chesterman denied claims that he had to apologise to Great Britain officials for the behaviour of Australian athletes.

“I saw the chef de mission of the GB team at the equestrian last night and there was no discussion on any need for an apology.

“I don’t think there would be any need for an apology.”

On the once-missing mascots, Chesterman added: “It’s been a mystery and there was a bit of a search for them.

“We were just about to get the ‘Wanted’ signs around the village and post a reward for their return.

Advertisement

“I’m pleased to report they are back in place and home. I think they went missing around the 28th, turned up again last night and understand they enjoyed a pleasant holiday in Deutschland.”

© AAP

close