Drunk Australian rugby coach fines himself

An Australian rugby coach has fined himself A$10,000 (£4,900) after a drunken escapade in which he tried to gain access to a woman's hotel room.

Police discovered Brad Fittler, coach of the Sydney Roosters, trying to enter the wrong room at the Townsville Holiday Inn at about 3am on Friday.

Mr Fittler, who had been on a long drinking session following a team dinner on Thursday night, was heavily intoxicated and wearing only his shorts as he attempted to enter the female guest's room.



"I take this opportunity to apologise for my behaviour on Thursday night, I brought embarrassment to the club myself and my family," Mr Fittler told a press conference on Saturday.

"I am disappointed with myself and apologise unreservedly to the occupants of the room who I disturbed," Mr Fittler said at a press conference Saturday. "My behaviour was unacceptable and I have fined myself $10,000."

The rugby club said the money will be donated to a Salvation Army women's refuge charity. Mr Fittler's Roosters are in last place in the National Rugby League.