Lions prop Kyle Sinckler apologises after arrest on night out in Auckland | Sport

Lions prop Kyle Sinckler apologises after arrest on night out in Auckland | Sport

Kyle Sinckler has apologised “for any inconvenience caused” after he was arrested in Auckland just hours after the British & Irish Lions’ third Test draw with New Zealand.

The Lions consider the matter closed after Auckland police confirmed that a man was placed under arrest but not charged following an incident involving “minor disorder” in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is believed the incident took place in central Auckland after Sinckler had earlier come off the bench during the 15-15 draw at Eden Park and it has been reported that the 24-year-old tighthead prop was escorted back to his hotel by the police.

The Lions tour manager, John Spencer, said that Sinckler has been reminded of his responsibilities, adding that “we are satisfied that he regrets this incident”. With the Lions departing New Zealand on Tuesday however, it did leave a minor stain on a thrilling series that the tourists had been widely expected to lose.

“We have been informed by Auckland police about an incident involving Kyle,” said Spencer. “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.”

Sinckler, who started two tour matches and appeared off the bench in all three Tests against the All Blacks, said: “I apologise for putting myself and the Lions in this position and also to the police and anyone else affected.” Without elaborating over the nature of the incident, an Auckland police spokesman said that Sinckler, “was not charged after further enquiries established that the incident did not warrant prosecution.”

Sinckler, who is yet to start a Test for England, was a surprise inclusion in the touring party but emerged as one of the most popular members of the squad and made some telling contributions on the field as a powerful ball-carrier. In the aftermath of the second Test however, he clashed with the New Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara while minutes later he was at the centre of a dispute after allegedly refusing to walk through the guard of honour, much to the annoyance of several All Blacks and some of his team-mates.

The Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree, who also coaches Sinckler at Harlequins, attempted to take the sting out of the incident with Perenara soon afterwards.

“I don’t think there’s an issue there. It’s an emotional game, a physical game. Tempers got a bit out of control, maybe, that happens,” he said. “I’ve been there myself. The game was that intense. Pitchside you could feel it.”

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