Arrested Lions player says sorry
Lions rugby prop Kyle Sinckler has apologised for his big night out in Auckland, which ended with him being arrested.
Tighthead Sinckler, 24, was returned to his upmarket hotel in a police car hours early on Sunday after police attended an incident involving ‘‘minor disorder’’ in central Auckland.
‘‘A male was placed under arrest but was not charged after further inquiries established that the incident did not warrant prosecution,’’ police said.
It is understood the incident took place on Galway St in central Auckland about 3am.
Hours earlier the 122kg Sinckler had come on in the third test at Eden Park, with the 15-15 draw earning the British and Irish Lions a share of the series.
On Tuesday, Sinckler said: ‘‘I apologise for putting myself and the Lions in this position and also to the police and anyone else affected’’.
Lions manager John Spencer said Sinckler had been reminded of his responsibilities as a Lions player.
‘‘We have been informed by Auckland police about an incident involving Kyle,’’ said Spencer, a member of the 1971 Lions team that beat the All Blacks.
‘‘I have spoken to Kyle and reminded him of his responsibilities as a Lion, which extend to his off the field behaviour.
‘‘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.’’
Police refused to make any further comment in relation to the incident.
The incident involving the 24-year-old comes at the end of the six-week tour.
Sinckler’s arrest came a week after coming to blows with All Black reserve halfback TJ Perenara in the final tense minutes of the second test in Wellington, an altercation both Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen dismissed as a heat of the moment thing.
‘‘Tempers got a bit out of control, maybe, that happens,’’ Rowntree said.
Sinckler has openly addressed anger management and self control issues in the past, having had a ‘‘fiery temperament’’ since he was a kid.
A mobile prop who once played in the backs, Sinckler played a role off the bench in all three tests. He started playing rugby aged eight for the Battersea Ironsiders, then was picked up by the Harlequins club.
He started the tour after being a fringe member of the England squad, and played himself on to the bench. A superb runner with the ball, he was one of the characters of the Lions team, his soft voice concealing a tough background as a London youngster.
He said he had a fiery temperament since he was a wee kid.