Boss fighting rape allegation

An Ireland and Ulster rugby star today pledged to fight an allegation of rape which he branded as malicious and unfounded.

Isaac Boss, the 28-year-old New Zealand-born Irish international, was arrested and questioned by police in Belfast last week.

He is understood to have been arrested by police while training, ironically at the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Newforge Lane sports complex in south Belfast.

The PSNI said: “Police are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault in the South Belfast area. One man was arrested and released on bail pending further inquiry.”

Boss qualifies to play for Ireland because his mother came from the Co Antrim village of Glenarm.

Pledging to fight to clear his name, he said today: “A woman has made malicious and unfounded allegations against me. I have been devastated by these damaging and false claims and I will be strenuously defending my good name.”

He added: “I am moving swiftly and decisively to vindicate my reputation and I am completely confident that my name will be cleared.”

Despite having been interviewed by police Boss played for Ulster in a crucial Magners League match against Connacht at Ravenhill in Belfast on Friday night - helping Ulster to an 18-6 victory.