Former Waikato rugby player Isaac Boss says he has been cleared of a rape allegation levelled against him in Ireland.
The Irish international was arrested in April by Belfast police.
"I have been confident from the outset that these malicious and unfounded allegations against me would be dismissed," Boss said in a statement released by an Auckland-based sports management company.
"It has been a nightmare worrying that the truth would not come out."
While the decision not to bring charges cleared his reputation, the allegation had been "distressing and devastating" for him and his family.
"I am grateful for the support of my family, friends and colleagues from rugby and across the sports community throughout this ordeal."
Boss' agent, Kent Hale, said "the false allegations made by a former acquaintance of Isaac's may leave the woman open to prosecution for wasting police time".
Boss has played 12 tests for Ireland since settling there for the 2005-06 season after playing in New Zealand for Waikato, the Chiefs and the Hurricanes.
He is eligible to play for Ireland because his mother came from the County Antrim village of Glenarm.
He is due to stay with Ulster until at least 2010.
