NZ Rugby re-opens inquiry into Smith saga

New Zealand Rugby has instructed an independent lawyer to re-open the investigation into the Aaron Smith toilet tryst.

While the All Blacks said they believe they dealt with the Aaron Smith ‘‘toilet tryst’’ last year and it was essentially business as usual for them and Smith, NZR feels they need to investigate the matter further.

In a statement to Stuff, NZR said: ‘‘Based on information published today New Zealand Rugby believes that it needs to investigate the Aaron Smith matter further and has instructed an independent lawyer to do so.

‘‘Until those enquiries are complete we will not be making any further statements to the media.’’

Earlier, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen fronted media in Sydney and essentially said it was business as usual for the star halfback ahead of tomorrow’s Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Sydney.

The incident had been thrust back into the public domain with the woman involved telling media she would be taking legal action in an attempt to protect her reputation.

The woman reportedly said her lawyers sent a letter to NZR boss Steve Tew, Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark and Smith’s agent Warren Alcock last week asking for Smith to make a public statement about what actually happened, but had yet to receive a reply.

Hansen said there was no question mark over Smith starting the test tomorrow.