All Blacks back Jordie Barrett says an innocent mistake led to police being called when he ended up in strangers’ house in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Hurricanes star Barrett became the subject of front page headlines in New Zealand when it was revealed he and a male friend were found eating takeaways in a Dunedin flat at 5am.
The occupants of the flat, two women, contacted police who questioned the two men before taking no further action.
The incident came in the aftermath of the visiting Hurricanes’ Super Rugby loss to the Highlanders on Friday night.
Barrett told journalists on Sunday the two men thought the flat belonged to a friend so walked through an unlocked door.
“I can’t say I’m embarrassed by what’s happened, I’m just disappointed with the events that have unfolded,” Barrett said.
“I don’t believe I’ve caused any harm to anyone, haven’t spoken to anyone, basically it was a human error, walked into the wrong flat and we left.”
Barrett denied being intoxicated, explaining he had enjoyed a couple of drinks and had a clear recollection of the entire night.
He assumed the police were contacted because the women had heard a noise in their house.
By that stage, the men had realised their mistake and had already left.
“They (police) came and questioned us, asked a few questions and then we were released and then went back to the hotel.”
The incident came a week out from the start of the three-Test series between the All Blacks and France.
Fullback Barrett, the younger brother of World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett, is a potential member of the squad for the first Test in Auckland.