Former Wallaby Peter Kimlin has taken to Twitter to defend himself, after reports he was among six Grenoble players detained over rape allegations.
The ex-Brumbies forward, along with New Zealand pair Rory Grice and Dylan Hayes, Ireland's Dennis Coulson and Chris Farrell and French hooker Loick Jammes, was detained by police for questioning following a complaint by a 21-year-old woman.
Kimlin tweeted early on Thursday morning Australian time to clarify his involvement in the situation, after reports he had been arrested.
I’m finally home after a long day helping the police with their investigation.
— Peter Kimlin (@peterkimlin) March 22, 2017
I want to clarify that I wasn’t arrested. I was purely at the police station to help establish a timeline.
— Peter Kimlin (@peterkimlin) March 22, 2017
According to French news website La Dauphine, the club has fired all players involved.
Kimlin said categorically that he had not been sacked, in a third tweet on Thursday morning.
I also want to let you know that I haven’t been fired by @FCGrugby as per @smh
— Peter Kimlin (@peterkimlin) March 22, 2017
The woman alleges she met the players in Bordeaux following their match against Bordeaux-Begles on March 11, was drugged at the nightclub and taken back to a hotel.
While he "respects the presumption of innocence" Grenoble club president Eric Pilaud says there will not be an internal enquiry because he "doesn't think the players want to answer our (the club staff's) questions".
Kimlin, 31, has played two Tests for Australia, making his debut against Italy in 2009 as a starting flanker.
The Canberra product left the Brumbies for France at the end of the 2013 Super Rugby season.
Grenoble last week suspended the players under investigation but did not reveal their identities.
"FC Grenoble Rugby is deeply affected by these events, which in no way correspond to the values we defend and to which we firmly believe," the club said in a statement on March 17.
