Former Hurricanes player Isaac Boss, now an Irish international says an allegation of rape made against him in Northern Ireland is malicious and unfounded.
Boss (28), a star of Ulster rugby, was arrested and questioned by police in Belfast last week, the Irish Examiner reported.
"While it is unclear whether he has as yet been charged with the accusation, it is understood he was detained while training at the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Newforge Lane sports complex," the newspaper said.
A police spokesman last night confirmed: "Police are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault in the south Belfast area. One man was arrested and released on bail pending further inquiry".
Boss, born in Tokoroa, is able to play for Ireland because his mother came from the County Antrim village of Glenarm.
A utility back for Ulster and Ireland, he has 12 caps and scored his first try for Ireland during last year's historic victory over England at Croke Park.
Boss played for Ulster in a Magners League match against Connacht at Ravenhill on Friday night in Belfast, with Ulster winning 18-6.
Reacting to the allegations over the weekend he said: "A woman has made malicious and unfounded allegations against me. I have been devastated by these damaging and false claims.
"I am moving swiftly and decisively to vindicate my reputation and I am completely confident that my name will be cleared," he added.
Boss joined Ulster at the start of the 2005-06 season after playing for Waikato and the Hurricanes. He is due to stay with Ulster until at least 2010 having recently renewed his contract.
