Steve Hansen describes charge on All Blacks security consultant as "unbelievable"
Steve Hansen says he cannot believe the decision to charge a man who worked for New Zealand as a security consultant with public mischief
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All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said he is mystified by the public mischief charge laid on a person, who worked as a security consultant for the New Zealand team.
The charge was issued by the New South Wales Police after investigation on the complaint raised by New Zealand team management of a listening device in the hotel room in Sydney where the team meetings were held prior to the Rugby Championship 2016 opener against Australia.
The listening device was found embedded in a chair placed in the room and was in the working condition.
"Frankly, the charge seems bizarre and unbelievable. It's very hard to understand," Hansen said in a statement
"The charged man has worked for the All Blacks, and many other organisations, for a long time and is someone who is trusted and well-respected by us.
"However, as with all cases before the courts, there has to be a due process that takes place and it is not right or proper for us to make any further comment as this could jeopardise the outcome of the case."
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive Bill Pulver credited New South Wales Police department and further criticised New Zealand on their timing to let the matter in the public ahead of the game day.
"On behalf of the ARU, I commend the NSW Police for their ongoing pursuit of this matter and for providing closure with a charge being laid against an individual," said Pulver.
"The aspect that still leaves a bitter taste out of this whole affair is that the discovery of the device was reported publicly on game day, when it is understood that the alleged discovery of the device occurred much earlier in the week leading up to the Test match.
"Clearly the media attention which resulted from it was a distraction that neither team needed on the morning of a very important Test match.
"The ARU and the Wallabies were never accused of any wrongdoing, however it was still important that this matter reached a conclusion to provide complete reassurance to all fans that the organisation and the team had no part in any of this.
"There may be some questions that remain but certainly this news is welcome news that an individual has been called to account over this incident."
