Saturday 6 May 2017 10:09, UK
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) says allegations that New Zealand captain Jesse Bromwich and team-mate Kevin Proctor purchased cocaine in the wake of their team's 30-12 loss to Australia in Canberra on Friday are being investigated.
The allegation emerged during a court case in Canberra which heard that a local man, Adrian Mark Crowther, was captured on CCTV preparing a white powder on his phone, before handing it to Bromwich and Proctor, who were said to have rolled up bank notes and consumed the substance.
While both players were named in court, neither has been charged with an offence.
A statement issued by NZRL said: "New Zealand Rugby League has this morning been made aware of an alleged incident involving Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich and team-mate Kevin Proctor last night in Canberra following the ANZAC Test.
"We are working with the NRL while investigations into the alleged incident are ongoing and New Zealand Rugby League will not be making any comment until more information becomes available.
"If the allegations are proven to be true, New Zealand Rugby League will be taking action immediately."
The news came just hours after Damian Keogh, the chairman of NRL side Cronulla, stood down after he was arrested for alleged drug possession and just 48 hours after another New Zealand international, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, was charged over allegations of drug possession in Sydney.
Keogh, a former basketball star for Australia who played in three Olympic Games, is due to appear in court on June 30.
The NRL says it is aware of the allegations and its integrity unit is investigating.
"The game has taken steps over many years to highlight the risks associated with the use of illicit drugs," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
"We will continue that work but ultimately individuals are accountable for their own choices, and the League's capacity to eliminate the use of illicit drugs by its participants faces similar challenges to that faced by society."
