A man has been charged with public nuisance over the bugging of the All Blacks team room in a Sydney hotel last year.
A listening device was found in the All Blacks' team room in the lead-up to their Bledisloe Cup Test against the Wallabies in August 2016.
The All Blacks management initially hinted that the apparatus came from the Wallabies, but following further investigation, the New South Wales police have charged a 51-year-old man who was employed as a security consultant at the time of the incident.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver thanked the NSW police for their ongoing pursuit of the matter, saying it provided a degree of closure over an incident that still leaves a bitter taste.
The All Blacks camp, however, finds it difficult to believe how the accused, well-known to the team, can be implicated in this matter, with coach Steve Hansen hinting they believe in his innocence.
'Frankly the charge seems bizarre and unbelievable. It's very hard to understand. 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,' said Hansen.
'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.'
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
