An update from our earlier Rugby story:
Testicle case cops can't rule out team-mates
15 August 2001
Police have not ruled out the possibility that the Pirongia teenager who lost a testicle in the wake of a King Country club rugby match suffered at the hands of a team-mate.
The 18-year-old Pirongia Rugby Club victim laid a complaint on July 31 about an incident in a match against Kio Kio United on July 13 which resulted in the surgical removal of a testicle - after it was allegedly wrenched during the match.
"You could say we've narrowed it down to the 30 blokes on the field," said Otorohanga Detective Constable Rob Pierce, who was handed the investigation this week.
"We're keeping an open mind. The only one we're ruling out at the moment is the man with the whistle."
The original complaint was laid with Te Awamutu police on July 31.
Mr Pierce said so far only coaches and the victim had been interviewed.
"It's top of the pile now, but at this stage we have no strong leads.
"The only way we'll crack this one is if the boys are prepared to talk."
