‘I was a bloody idiot’: Wallaby Nick Phipps to face sanctions over urinating at Sydney bar
Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps has apologised for urinating on a bar in Sydney's east last month.
Phipps was kicked out of the Woollahra Hotel during his bucks party celebrations on April 21 — the night after the team's record 29-nil loss to South African team The Lions
"I'm a goose. If I'm going to do the crime, I'll pay the time," he said.
"It's always been in my character to stand up and accept the responsibility. I was a bloody idiot.
"It's one of those things I wanted to front straight away and get the apology out there and make sure everyone knows how sorry I am."
The 61-cap Wallabies player said he did not remember much of the incident.
"I certainly remember just after the incident and beforehand. It was something that happened for a few seconds and some of the boys grabbed me," Phipps said.
Phipps married his long-time partner Ebony Bamford on Saturday.
The Waratahs have launched an investigation into the incident.
Phipps said he has also spoken with Rugby Australia and apologised to the pub.
"There are going to be some sanctions handed down and I'll accept them," he said.
"My role at the club is something that's pretty important and to be honest that's not the way we should carry ourselves.
"There won't be any fight from me. It's something I just wanted to do and get on the front foot and get back to playing footy.
"I've spoken to Rugby Australia. They've voiced their displeasure. They're not very happy," he said.
"It's something that will be shored up today and then we can move on."
It was an untimely distraction for the Waratahs, who are trying to get their season back on track.
The rugby club spent most of last month wrestling with the dilemma caused by Israel Folau's views on homosexuality.
Phipps' teammates said they had accepted his apology and were ready to move on to this weekend's game at Brookvale Oval against the Auckland Blues.
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ABC .net
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