Bastareaud apologizes for lying over NZ assault
Posted: 10.27.2009 at 8:51 AM
Perpignan's Henri Tuilagi, left, challenges to keep the ball with Stade Francais' Mathieu Bastareaud during their French Top 14 rugby union match.  / AP Photo/Francois Mori
Photo

PARIS (AP) — France center Mathieu Bastareaud has apologized for lying to New Zealand police about being assaulted on the national team's rugby union tour in June and says his injuries were not from fighting a teammate.

Bastareaud seriously injured his eye socket and needed stitches for facial cuts following a late night incident after France's 14-10 loss to New Zealand in the second test. Bastareaud initially said he had been attacked by up to five men in Wellington.

Bastareaud says he is "really sorry about what happened."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Barrington Broadcasting is a member of the AP Network.