All Blacks bugging-accused to deny charge

  • 21/03/2017

The man allegedly behind bugging an All Blacks hotel room has indicated he will plead not guilty to the charges.

Adrian Gard, 51, appeared in Waverley Local Court in Sydney on public mischief charges on Tuesday. His lawyer said Gard will defend the charge when the case returns to court on May 2.

Gard, who has previously been employed by the New Zealand Rugby Union on Australian visits, was charged following a six-month police investigation.

The listening device was found in the team's meeting room at the InterContinental hotel on the day of the Bledisloe Cup Test at ANZ Stadium, in the midst of the build-up ahead of the All Blacks' 42-8 victory over the Wallabies.

A two-day hearing is also due to begin on an unspecified date, coinciding with All Blacks management and coaches' availability. A security consultant hired by All Blacks staff is also due to appear.

Gard sat quietly in the back of the courtroom today. His lawyer Simon Joyner issued a short statement on his behalf as they left court, saying Gard "respects the All Blacks and everything they represent".

Newshub.