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Ian Foster Confirms Family Was Confronted by Knife-Wielding Man

Outgoing All Blacks coach Ian Foster has confirmed reports that his family had been confronted by a knife-wielding man at the Rugby World Cup in France.

It was reported on Monday that Foster’s wife Leigh and daughter Michaela were approached near where the All Blacks were staying in Paris prior to their opening game of the tournament.

The pair were able to escape the attempted mugging without injury.

“In regards to recent reports, I can confirm there was an incident involving my wife and one of my daughters in Paris during the opening week of the Rugby World Cup,” Foster said in a statement.

“Leigh and Michaela were walking to our team hotel from a nearby train station in the early evening when they were confronted by a young man with a knife. The man appeared to be under the influence of something.”

“My family were able to defuse the situation calmly but firmly and the man left. Team security, which included local authorities, were made aware of this when Leigh and Michaela returned.”

“As a family, we would like to reiterate that this did not in any way take away from our time in France which was positive overall.”

The All Blacks finished runners-up at the World Cup, losing 12-11 to South Africa in the final.

Foster leaves his role as coach with a 70% win-rate.

Scott Robertson will now take over as coach.

/Stewart
Sports news editor