Baby Black rape case dropped

South African police have dropped their investigation into an allegation of rape made against New Zealand Under-20 player Nathan Harris.

Harris was accused of raping a 22-year old woman at the Southern Sun Hotel Newlands in Cape Town on the night of his side's Junior World Championship defeat to hosts South Africa in June.

South African authorities have advised the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Harris that after investigating the complaint, they will not be prosecuting.

"I am obviously pleased and relieved I have been cleared,” Harris said.

"The past three months has been an incredibly difficult time for me and my family and now I want to put this matter behind me.

"I want to thank my family, friends and rugby community for supporting me during this time.

"I am disappointed that my special experience with the New Zealand Under-20 was marred by this allegation. My focus is now on getting on with playing rugby and I'll be working hard to prove that I can be a good asset for any team I am lucky enough to be involved in," he said.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the NZRU was pleased that the matter had been resolved.

"Nathan has already publicly acknowledged that he breached team rules when he allowed a woman to come back to his room after the Final of the Junior World Cup in South Africa in June.

"We consider Nathan's actions in breaching the team rules to be misconduct, and after considering all the circumstances we have decided that the matter will be recorded as a warning on his file.

"We now consider the chapter closed."