By 3 News online staff
The New Zealand under-20 rugby player accused of raping a woman during his team’s recent tour to South Africa has come forward.
Nathan Harris, 20, today issued a statement saying he is the player at the centre of the issue and that no one else is involved.
Harris says he is innocent of the allegation made against him, however he acknowledges he should not have broken team protocol by allowing a woman to enter his room.
“I am proud to have had this amazing opportunity to represent my country playing rugby and I know that I let the team down and I let my family down.
“For that I am truly sorry and I want to apologise to my team mates, team management and to all the parents and friends who supported our team, but especially to my family for the distress this has caused them all.
“The past five days have been a very stressful and painful time for me and my family. I have learnt a lot and now I am hoping for a good outcome so I can get on with my life.”
Harris says he will not be commenting further while police investigations continue.
3 News
Nathan Harris