'England four' decline interviews with Auckland City police

The four players involved have declined to be interviewed by police over the matter at this stage.

Under pressure: England boss Rob Andrew

No formal statement has been made by the woman who made what police described as a "serious sexual assault allegation".

The alleged incident occurred early on Sunday morning in the team hotel following England's 37-20 defeat to New Zealand.

Auckland police issued a statement confirming the nature of the allegation.

It read: "Members of Auckland City Police's Adult Sexual Assault Team flew to Christchurch yesterday in the hope of being able to speak with the four England Rugby Team players at the centre of a serious sexual assault allegation.

"The players have advised police - via legal representation this morning - that they are declining to be interviewed by police on the matter at this stage.

"Auckland City Police will continue to investigate the allegation - that a woman was raped and/or sexually assaulted by four players - as thoroughly as possible before reviewing the file.

"Any decision about where to take matters from there will depend on the outcome of that review.

"While no formal statement has been made by the woman who made the allegations, a formal complaint can be made at any time in the future and police are then obliged to assess the evidential basis of that complaint."