All Blacks Flanker Jerome Kaino has returned to New Zealand ahead of the All Blacks' test against the Wallabies tonight.
Highlanders Flanker Liam Squire has been called to replace Kaino.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed Kaino, who was not part of the match‑day squad, has returned home to deal with a personal matter following the publication of a story in the Australian media this morning.
The Daily Telegraph in Sydney ran a story today headlined 'Love Rat', accompanied by a photo of Kaino with model Tara Pokarier.
The Telegraph alleged the All Blacks loose forward had been "cheating on his wife with a former Australian model in a string of hotel hook‑ups", stating they had met for sex in hotels in Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane before Pokarier discovered he was married.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew says that NZ Rugby understands that players are under public scrutiny in such situations and these latest stories are concerning.
Meanwhile the All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 10 tonight.
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