Rugby

I lied, I was drunk, admits France's Bastareaud

Article published on the 2009-06-27 Latest update 2009-06-28 09:25 TU

Mathieu Bastareaud was assaulted in Wellington after Saturday's defeat in the second test by New Zealand
(Photo: Stade Français)

French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud admitted Friday that the injuries he sustained last week in Wellington, New Zealand were not the result of an assault, but instead were inflicted after he fell over while drunk.

"I owe people the truth," Bastareaud said in a statement issued through his Paris club, Stade Francais.

"On Saturday evening I went back to the hotel after drinking too much. I fell over in my room, I struck the table and cut my cheekbone. I was ashamed, I panicked and I thought I was going to be sent home from the French team. I told a story thinking that this would settle things, but given the way it has snowballed I prefer to tell the truth.”

Bastareaud, who plays centre for France’s national rugby team, went out after France lost to New Zealand 10-14 last Saturday night, and was found the following day with a cut near his eye and bruises on his face.

He initially explained that he had been attacked on the streets of Wellington, but now retracts that version of events.

Max Guazzini, the owner of Stade Français, pleaded for his player.

"It was a youthful error," he told the French sports daily L'Equipe. "I have just spoken to Mathieu before he was to fly off on holiday to the French West Indies.... He was afraid of the consequences for his place in the French side and his family is very religious... he didn't think things would take on such proportions."