Barrett caught in bizarre late night mix-up

Sun, Jun 3, 2018, 2:24 PM
AAP
by AAP
Jordie Barrett had a late night run-in with police. Photo: Getty Images
Jordie Barrett had a late night run-in with police. Photo: Getty Images

The All Blacks are in damage control a week out from the Test series against France after two high-profile players were caught up in off-field incidents.

Jordie Barrett faces a dressing down from coach Steve Hansen "for being stupid" in an early morning incident in Dunedin while star Blues winger Rieko Ioane admitted his involvement in post-game "antics" that left him injured.

Hurricanes fullback Barrett attracted headlines in New Zealand after he and a male friend were discovered eating takeaways in a stranger's home at 5am following his visiting team's loss to the Highlanders the previous evening.

The occupants of the flat, two women, contacted police who questioned the two men before taking no further action.

Jordie Barrett will have his first crack at the Lions. Photo: Getty ImagesBarrett told journalists on Sunday the two men thought the flat belonged to a friend so walked through an unlocked door.

"I can't say I'm embarrassed by what's happened, I'm just disappointed with the events that have unfolded," Barrett said.

"I don't believe I've caused any harm to anyone, haven't spoken to anyone, basically it was a human error, walked into the wrong flat and we left."

Barrett denied being intoxicated, explaining he had enjoyed a couple of drinks and had a clear recollection of the entire night.

Hansen was unimpressed by the lack of professionalism shown by the 21-year-old, the younger brother of All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett.

"He won't get reprimanded for anything other than being stupid," Hansen told Radio Sport.

"I think that everyone would agree that it's just a genuine mistake and one that could be made by any young person."

Rieko Ioane had a double by the 22nd minute. Photo: Getty ImagesMeanwhile, the Blues released a statement confirming the world class Ioane had been treated at hospital for a cut above his eye following his involvement in "antics" following their loss to the Melbourne Rebels in Auckland.

Some reports said Ioane was involved in a skirmish with a teammate but he said it was little more than high jinks gone wrong.

"We were just poking fun at each other. It's not serious and I've apologised to my teammates and the club," Ioane said.

Blues chief executive Michael Redman said the incident will be reviewed to determine if team protocol was breached.

New Zealand take on France in their June Series, kicking off on Saturday June 9 in Auckland.

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