Vodafone boss admits PR cock-up

Police are investigating claims that Vodafone's Australian chief executive knew that a streaker, sporting only a Vodafone logo, planned to disrupt play during last Saturday's rugby union test between Australia and New Zealand.

According to The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, Vodafone's Grahame Maher has admitted publicly that a man he knew only as 'Brett' had approached him about pulling an illegal stunt at the match, which Brett said would give Vodafone publicity.

"Whatever you want to do, if it is good for us we would love to be involved," Maher told him.

Two male streakers ran on to the field during the second half of Saturday night's game wearing nothing but a Vodafone logo painted on their backs.

Once on the field they ran up to and around All Blacks fly half Andrew Mehrtens as he was preparing for a penalty kick worth three points late in the game, delaying play.

After the men were removed by security staff, Mehrten missed the crucial kick and New Zealand eventually lost by two points.

Police said that a 22 year-old man has been charged with three offences, including "full and obscene" exposure, while a second man faced on-the spot fines and was given an infringement notice for acting in an indecent manner. Both were charged with entering a playing field without permission.

Maher admitted that he agreed ahead of the event that Vodafone, sponsors of the Australian team, would pay any fines incurred as a result of the action.

He claimed that he did not know what action Brett was planning, but said that he now regrets his decision.

Police have not ruled out legal action against Vodafone.