Rebel Mafi in custody
NEWS: Rebels’ already heartbreaking Super Rugby season received an extra blow following the incident between teammates Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani.
According to reports, the Rebel star Mafi is in police custody and will face charges following an alleged assault on teammate Lopeti Timani in Dunedin.
The alleged assault occurred after the Rebels’ 37-43 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
The defeat, along with the Sharks’ 20-10 win over the Jaguares, meant that the Melbourne franchise missed out on qualifying for the finals.
The Foxsports.com.au reported that a NZ Police spokeswoman confirmed the assault but didn’t identify Mafi as the culprit.
“A man has been charged with injuring with intent to injure following an alleged assault in South Dunedin last night.
“The man is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on the 16th July 2018. The alleged victim… received moderate injuries following the incident.
“He did not require hospitalization. The pair were known to each other. As the matter is now before the court Police are not in a position to comment further,”
The Rebels and Rugby Australia later issued a joint statement.
“Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels are aware of an incident involving Rebels players Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani in Dunedin overnight,” the statement read.
“Both players remain in New Zealand with Mafi currently in Police custody following an altercation between the two players.
“Rugby Australia understand that no other players were involved in the incident.
“As it is a Police matter, Rugby Australia, the Melbourne Rebels and the Rugby Union Players Association are unable to make further comment at this time,”
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said: “I am bitterly disappointed that an incident has occurred at the end of a season where we have taken pride in our on and off-field behaviour.
“We will respect the process and won’t be making further comments until all investigations have taken place,”
Source: @FOXRugbylive
