France stars quizzed by police in sex probe

SEVERAL France players were taken off a plane by Scottish police for questioning yesterday, following allegations of a sexual assault in Edinburgh. Jacques Brunel and his squad were due to fly back to Paris at 11am but took off two hours late after their return flight was dramatically grounded. Allegations of a brawl at a bar in Edinburgh city centre were soon followed by a statement by Police Scotland. A spokesman said: ‘Following an initial report of sexual assault in Edinburgh city centre during the early hours of Monday, February 12, police conducted various lines of inquiry, including speaking to a number of potential witnesses. These inquiries have established no crime has been committed.’ The alleged incident occurred hours after Les Bleus had lost a pulsating encounter 32-26 against Scotland at Murrayfield — their second defeat of this campaign. Reports in France suggested that Brunel allowed his men to have a night out. It is understood that the players were drinking at the Tigerlily bar in George Street — and sources have indicated that certain players had facial injuries which were not clearly evident after the match. However, police concluded their investigations and are taking no further action. lreland will be without centre Robbie Henshaw for the rest of the Six Nations after confirmation yesterday that he has had shoulder surgery. But prop Tadhg Furlong is expected to be fit to face Wales on February 24 after a minor hamstring problem.