Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that there was no foundation to news reports that she was due to host a reception for the New Zealand and Australian rugby league teams at Parliament on Wednesday.

"At no time was I due to host a function for the teams. Reports to the contrary are completely unfounded.

"It was my intention, for many weeks, to attend the second New Zealand-England netball test in Palmerston North on Wednesday night. I can't be in two places at one time.

"I find it is sad that media attempts to beat up some sort of controversy ahead of the game relies, in this case, on inventing a complete fiction," Helen Clark said.

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