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Wallabies and Waratahs scrum-half Nick Phipps apologised for urinating on a bar at a Sydney hotel and said he will accept any sanction handed down.
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An apologetic Phipps fronted the media on Tuesday after news broke of an incident at the Woollahra Hotel, where the 29-year-old Australian was kicked out on his buck’s night while wearing a cow suit in April.
Speaking to reporters, Phipps – who married his wife Ebony Grace on Saturday – said: “I’m a goose, if I’m going to do the crime, I’ll pay the time.
“It’s always been in my character to stand up and accept the responsibility, I was a bloody idiot.
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“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.”
Phipps added: “There are going to be some sanctions handed down and I’ll accept them.
“My role at the club is something that’s pretty important and to be honest that’s not the way we should carry ourselves.
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“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.
“It’s something that will be shored up today and then we can move on.”
The Wallaby was celebrating his stag party at the time on Saturday, April 21, following the Waratahs humiliating 29-0 loss against the Lions. Phipps was removed from a packed upstairs section of the Woollahra Hotel after being spotted by staff members urinating on the front bar. He apparently apologised at the time of the incident and no further action was taken by the establishment in question.
The Super Rugby franchise have had significant off-field challenges in recent weeks, namely the massive controversy over Israel Folau’s comments regarding what he believes to be the ultimate fate of homosexuals.
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“The Waratahs are aware of an incident involving halfback Nick Phipps,” the club said in a statement. “The matter is being reviewed and while this process is ongoing, the NSW Waratahs are unable to comment at this time.”
A witness told The Sydney Morning Herald the group Phipps arrived with at the Woollahra Hotel were “pretty blind” after a day of celebrations including a boat cruise. The group, including Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, carried on with celebrations after Phipps was put in a taxi following the incident.
