THERE’S an old saying what goes on tour stays on tour, but in this era of mobile phone networks and social media, it’s no longer true – especially if you’re a high-profile sportsman.
Rugby star Mike Tindall and other members of the England World Cup squad found that out when they were pictured drinking in a Queenstown bar after their win over Argentina.
At the end of the day, it seems that’s all Tindall, Chris Ashton, Toby Flood and Dylan Hartley were doing, and as England manager Martin Johnson neatly put it: “Rugby player drinks beer – shocker.”
Johnson said he was fully aware of what his players were doing, and that he had no problem with it because their behaviour was described by the bar manager as being perfectly acceptable.
Johnson added that he didn’t want to lock his players up in the team hotel, and I agree that could be very counter-productive.
There are plenty of professional sportsman who enjoy a drink, and rugby, in particular, has always had its social side.
I know the game has become more professional, but it’s still important to unwind, especially when you’re away from home for a long spell.
And having got to the last two World Cup finals, you can’t really say England have a problem when it comes to preparation.
Hopefully the whole affair will be kept in perspective and we can get back to talking about rugby.