All Blacks charged with assault
NEWS: All Black loose forward Shannon Frizell, who is in the squad due to play Australia next month, appeared in court Tuesday charged with assault – following a nightclub incident in the southern city of Dunedin.
Frizell, who has played 15 Tests and runs out for the Dunedin-based Highlanders, faced two charges of assaulting a woman and one of common assault on May 9.
The case was adjourned until September so Frizell could complete the requirements of diversion – a scheme used by police in New Zealand to help first offenders avoid a conviction.
To qualify for diversion, an accused must accept responsibility and police will set conditions which may include a letter of apology to the victim and compensation.
Outside court, Frizell, 27, apologised to the victims and said he would “try to do everything I can to restore people’s faith in me.
“I already have put a plan in place with counsellors to help me address areas I want to work on.”
A New Zealand Rugby official said they would meet with Frizell this week.
