LONDON — Several New Zealand rugby representatives went on an alcohol and drug fuelled rampage in Twickenham, London on Friday night, ending with reports of a violent altercation between the squad’s youngest members.
Mere hours before the side’s opening loss to England, halfback Hayden Berish and second-row forward Wiremu Hawthorne were spotted at a number of establishments in south west London, reportedly during a banned initiation ritual involving prescription sleeping medication, alcohol and energy drinks.
Stunned locals claim the pair were joined at the legendary Cabbage Patch pub near Twickenham Stadium by veteran player Andrew McBride, before decamping to Shack 68, a nearby bar. Two women in their twenties said they were invited back to the team hotel at the end of the evening, only to witness a violent skirmish. Apparent ringleader McBride
Truth Matters.
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Already a subscriber? Log in here.Rumours of recreational drug abuse amongst sportspeople are never far from the fore, but Wellington businessman Stewart Balfour spoke exclusively to the Observer following the revelation of Andrew McBride’s involvement. The former owner of Wellington’s Gale Force rugby club recounted the struggle he had with his daughter during her relationship with McBride before McBride’s shock exit from New Zealand rugby thirteen years ago. Mr Balfour recalled a series of drug-related incidents, including at the family’s Wellington home. He also spoke to reckless initiation rituals, commonly known as hazing.
“Professional sport must get a handle on drug abuse,” Mr Balfour said on Monday evening. “We’re looking at a multi-generational problem, and one that has affected my family on a profound and tragic level. The destruction Andrew McBride left behind has haunted my family ever since he departed our shores. I am horrified that upon his return to New Zealand, his conduct is harming our national sport again. I will be urging leaders across all our sports that deep introspection and sanctions on misconduct are sorely and promptly required.”
While better known for his exploits in English rugby, McBride, 34, began his career in Auckland and was capped 19 times by the Mariners club before his abrupt move overseas. The son of former Waitakere regional player Frank McBride, he spent twelve years at London club Alexandra Palace. He returned to New Zealand a year ago with his partner, German national Bella Hartwich, who leads a team of chemists at Epsom-based drug research company Gallagher Balmain. While the terms remain confidential, sources report McBride’s contract with Rugby New Zealand to be worth upwards of two million dollars. He is projected to assume a high performance directorship after next year’s World Cup, a position responsible for both coaching and administrative strategy for the next generation of New Zealand rugby.