Rebel charged after club brawl
REACTION: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed that Hunter Paisami has been charged following an incident outside a Melbourne nightclub early on Sunday morning.
Paisami, 20 and teammate Pone Faamausili, 21, have been accused of the assault which caused a man to lose consciousness.
Both players have since been suspended from the team indefinitely and have admitted their involvement in the incident.
Paisami has been charge with fighting in a public place causing others to fear for their safety. The young centre was bailed on Tuesday and will appear in court on September 20.
The matter now subject to a judicial process the club will not be commenting specifically on the case.
Below is a statement attributable to Melbourne Rebels Chief Executive Officer Baden Stephenson:
“The Melbourne Rebels can confirm Club player Hunter Paisami has been formally charged and bailed to appear before a Magistrate on September 20.
With the matter now subject to a judicial process the Club will not be commenting specifically on the case.
“Both Hunter and Pone Fa’amausili remain suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the Club’s internal investigation and in consultation with Rugby Australia, Rugby Victoria and the Rugby Union Players’ Association.
“I would like to reiterate to our partners, members, supporters, communities and families that the Club is taking this matter extremely seriously.
The board, management team and player leadership group are working together to address recent issues and provide a response that ultimately strengthens not only our Club but also our communities and our code,”
The incident involving back rowers Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani.
Mafi left teammate Timani with two black eyes and was charged for assault with intent to injure after an altercation in Dunedin following the Rebels’ final round loss against the Highlanders.
