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Long leaves GB Tri-Nations tour Long leaves GB Tri-Nations tour
(about 1 hour later)
Great Britain's half-back Sean Long has flown home from the tour of Australia and New Zealand - with the reasons for his departure still unclear. Great Britain's Sean Long has flown home from the tour of Australia and New Zealand, with coach Brian Noble denying reports of disciplinary problems.
A team statement said Long, whose partner is heavily pregnant, had returned home "for personal reasons".A team statement said Long, whose partner is heavily pregnant, had returned home "for personal reasons".
But the BBC's Dave Woods says there are allegations that Long broke a team alcohol ban on Sunday. But the BBC's Dave Woods says there are allegations that Long broke a team alcohol ban on a flight on Sunday.
Britain need to avoid defeat against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday to make the Tri-Nations final. Noble said: "We've allowed him to go home at his own request. There is no disciplinary issue."
Early reports from Australia claimed that St Helens half-back Long had been accused of gambling on matches in the Tri-Nations series.
But Woods said he was "99%" sure that those allegations were incorrect.
Woods said that Long had been seen inebriated on Sunday, the day after the Lions had been thrashed 34-4 by New Zealand in Wellington.
The Britain squad are currently in a team meeting, with a statement expected at 0830 GMT.
Team officials say that no replacement will be called up for Long, who was outstanding in Britain's 23-12 win over Australia in Sydney last week.Team officials say that no replacement will be called up for Long, who was outstanding in Britain's 23-12 win over Australia in Sydney last week.
Early reports from Australia claimed that St Helens half-back Long had been accused of gambling on matches in the Tri-Nations series.
But Noble said: "On the subject of gambling there will be lots of stories coming out, but that's completely away from the truth.
"His wife is about it give birth and it's been weighing on Sean's mind quite heavily."
Woods said that Long had been seen inebriated on the flight from Wellington to Sydney, the day after the Lions had been thrashed 34-4 by New Zealand.
But Noble said: "There were no bollockings dished out yesterday on the plane. My view's were known, their views were known. That was the end of the matter."
Britain need to avoid defeat against Australia in Brisbane this Saturday to make the Tri-Nations final.