Monday 6 November 2017 12:13, UK
Danny Brough has apologised for the drunken behaviour that cost him his World Cup place, Scotland Rugby League chairman Keith Hogg has said.
Brough, who has led the Bravehearts in their last three World Cups and is Scotland's most-capped player, was sent home from the tournament along with team-mates Jonny Walker and Sam Brooks after they were deemed too drunk to board a plane.
The three had carried on drinking into the night following Scotland's 74-6 thrashing by New Zealand and were left behind in Christchurch as the rest of the squad flew to Brisbane to continue their World Cup campaign.
"It was obviously very disappointing that the three of them chose to continue drinking at a point in time when they clearly should have stopped," Hogg said.
"It was not obvious until we got to the airport what the situation was but the airline had their rules and we completely supported them in their decision-making.
"It was something that developed very quickly but it's important to stress that it was purely about the three of them. No members of the public were involved and there was no screaming and shouting, they had just chosen to drink too much.
"We sat down at the airport and convened a proper meeting and there was universal agreement that there was only one decision we could take. We believe in the right values and right behaviours and there is a tournament code of conduct that we support.
"They clearly took some time to react, for fairly obvious reasons, but it was very quickly clear that they were contrite.
"Certainly the best known of the three players was extremely apologetic when I talked to him on the phone last night. We've been in touch with them a lot and the World Cup team have provided tremendous support."
Scotland lost their tournament opener to Tonga, but despite conceding 124 points in their first two games, they can still reach the quarter-finals with victory over Samoa in Cairns on Sunday.
"Clearly the rest of the squad are disappointed, frustrated and probably a bit angry with the other three guys over what's happened," Hogg added.
"But the other 21 players of the squad we have in Cairns are actually in good spirits. They have pulled together extremely well after the initial shock and they are very focused on giving their absolute best on the field on Saturday.
"There is a degree of disappointment in terms of our performances so far but that doesn't mean there isn't a collective desire and there is no reason why we can't surprise a lot of people and go and get an outstanding win against Samoa."
