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Subscribe to RSS FeedMcGrath dismisses booze binge allegations
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chairperson Peter McGrath says he will vigorously defend himself against allegations he was drunk at a sponsors' function during the World Cup in France.
McGrath has stood down while the ARU board investigates a claim he was so intoxicated that he could barely speak when he attended a function after a long lunch in Marseille on the eve of Australia's World Cup quarter-final loss to England.
"My family and I are deeply affected by these accusations and I will be defending my reputation vigorously," he told reporters at Sydney airport.
"I'd just like to say that it's been a really difficult time and the focus should have been on the team and certainly not this.
"The matter's now with the board. I've got complete confidence in the board and we'll work through this week."
McGrath said he had no idea how the complaint from a sponsor had been publicly leaked.
Asked how the allegation had affected him personally, McGrath said: "It's just very public."
The complaint has already cost McGrath the chance of an International Rugby Board (IRB) position, with a seat on the executive he had been expected to take up going to ARU president Paul McLean.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill said that the board's investigation should be completed in the next two weeks.
