New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Thursday he appreciated the apology from his French counterpart for French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud lying about being attacked in Wellington.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon wrote to Key to apologize for what he called the "unacceptable behavior" of Bastareaud, the New Zealand Press Association reported.

The 20-year-old Stade Francais player was at the heart of a furious row after lying over an alleged assault outside the team hotel in Wellington following France's 14-10 defeat against New Zealand's All Blacks team on June 20.

A spokesman for Key said France and New Zealand share a "strongrugby tradition."

He said Mr Key was keen for both countries to "put the matter behind us now."

The letter from Mr Fillon acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and Key appreciated the gesture, the spokesman said.

Bastareaud, 20, lied that he was set on from behind by up to five men following the second rugby test between France at the All Blacks, leaving him with a serious eye injury.

Police investigated the incident for several days, before Bastareaud admitted his fabrication.

He subsequently said he had drunk too much after France's loss and had hit his head on a table back at the hotel.

Rumours have also circulated that his injuries were sustained after being hit by a teammate.

Bastareaud was admitted to in France hospital with serious psychological problems on Monday after allegedly trying to commit suicide.

Source: Xinhua