Posted By: Eugene Taylor

Mon Nov 13, 10:59 AM ET

LONDON (AFP) - Great Britain half-back Sean Long has flown home from Australia and New Zealand but coach Brian Noble has denied his departure was because of disciplinary problems.
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Long had left the Tri-Nations tour of Australia and New Zealand "for personal reasons," a team statement on the Rugby Football League website said. No replacement will be called in to replace him.

There had been reports of a possible disciplinary breach involving breaking an alcohol ban or gambling on matches, but Noble said there was no truth in these.

"We've allowed him to go home at his own request. There is no disciplinary issue," Noble told the BBC on Monday.

"On the subject of gambling there will be lots of stories coming out, but that's completely away from the truth.

"His wife is about to give birth and it's been weighing on Sean's mind quite heavily."

Long's absence will be a heavy blow to British hopes of reaching the Tri-Nations final.

He played a key role in the tremendous 23-12 win over Australia in Sydney last week, but Great Britain then went down 34-4 to New Zealand.

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