THE New Zealand Rugby Union said that it will cooperate with South African police inquiries into an accusation of rape against a member of its Under-20 team.

"The team has just returned from South Africa, and we are discussing all available details with team management," the NZRU said.

"Our understanding of the matter is that the allegation was focused on one player."

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said all members of the nation's U-20 squad had returned home.

"The team and team management complied with police requirements and cooperated fully and assisted them with their inquiries, after which police advised they were happy for all members of the team to travel home," he said. "Neither team management nor the NZRU have been contacted by the local authorities. If we are contacted, we will co-operate and help in any way we can."

Colonel Vish Naidoo said earlier police were called to the New Zealand team's hotel in Cape Town on Saturday when a 22-year-old woman claimed one of the "Baby Blacks" had raped her. Naidoo said the charge was being investigated.