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Rugby

11th Jul 2017

Lions player apologises after Auckland arrest

The 24-year-old was 'reminded of his responsibilities as a Lion'

Niall McIntyre

British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler has apologised after he was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Lions players went out on the town in New Zealand after six weeks of intensive training and ten gruelling matches Down Under.

After the drawn final Test, which ensured the series was halved, the Lions players went on an almighty session, which culminated in Sean O’Brien singing Westlife and Johnny Sexton and Ben Te’o proclaiming themselves as the best 10-12 combo Ireland has ever seen.

None of them had as interesting a time as English scrummager Sinckler, however, who ended his night with an arrest in Auckland.

The night started well for Sinckler, toasting to the tour with Jack McGrath in the Lions dressing room while looking slick in his team suit.

It obviously didn’t end as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWSMARbgZkp/?taken-by=kylesinckler

The 24-year-old tighthead has carved out a reputation for himself as a useful impact sub but one that was confrontational with the All Blacks.

At times, on the pitch, he overstated the fire and brimstone approach, which resulted in an angry exchange English team-mate in Owen Farrell.

Auckland police said a man was placed under arrest but not charged following a “minor disorder”. Sinckler commented:

“I apologise for putting myself and the Lions in this position.

“I also apologise to the police and anyone else affected.”

Lions tour manager John Spencer confirmed to the BBC that the Harlequins tight-head had apologised and been reminded of his responsibilities.

Spencer said in a statement: “We have been informed by Auckland police about an incident involving Kyle.

“I have spoken to Kyle and reminded him of his responsibilities as a Lion, which extends to his off-the-field behaviour.”

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