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Mathieu Bastareaud: "I messed up"

Bastareaud:
© PA Photos
Mathieu Bastareaud hopes to rebuild his reputation when France take on New Zealand this weekend.

Mathieu Bastareaud has admitted that he is hoping to put the past behind him this weekend when France take on New Zealand.

The 24-year-old, who currently represents Toulon, caused controversy in 2009 when he claimed that he had been assaulted during an incident in New Zealand, which later proved to be a false accusation.

"I messed up. The only thing I can say, and I have done that, is quite simply to apologise and move on and show that on the pitch I can be a very good rugby player," he told reporters at a press conference.

"I'm not apprehensive about anyone in particular, they aren't going to eat me. For me it really is behind me and I am looking ahead. I want to have a good tour here and end a fine season with something big."

Bastareaud has made 10 appearances for his country.

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