Otago rugby star charged with assault on student

By Chris Rattue and NZPA

Highlanders rugby star Romi Ropati was arrested and charged with assault late last night, following a fight in Dunedin in which a student suffered a fractured jaw and broken teeth.

Ropati has also been called to a meeting with New Zealand Rugby Football Union chief executive David Moffett in Wellington today. The NZRFU holds the contracts for Super 12 players.

Ropati's arrest follows a complaint from a 22-year-old Dunedin student. The man underwent surgery in Dunedin Hospital yesterday and was reported to be progressing favourably.

The incident happened at 3.30 am in George St on Monday, the day after the Highlanders lost the Super 12 final to the Crusaders at Carisbrook.

Police say the complainant identified his attacker, and the Otago Rugby Football Union immediately announced that it was questioning Ropati.

Ropati was interviewed for an hour at the Dunedin central police station last night. His lawyer, Stephen O'Driscoll, was also present. Police said later that a "22-year-old professional sportsman" had been charged with assault and bailed to appear in the district court tomorrow.

An NZRFU statement issued before the arrest said: "Ropati expressed his remorse for the regrettable incident."

In Dunedin yesterday, Ropati and Mr O'Driscoll attended a five-hour meeting with Highlanders officials, including coach Tony Gilbert.

Mr O'Driscoll emerged from the meeting to say: "Mr Ropati sincerely regrets being involved in an incident in Dunedin on Monday morning."

Highlanders chairman John Hornbrook said Otago had no hesitation in naming Ropati because the incident reflected on the entire team.

The New Zealand union's statement said Otago had provided it with details of the incident and it would meet Ropati today.

"There are player contractual matters to consider regarding the incident, and we will meet directly with Ropati and his lawyer as soon as possible," said Mr Moffett.

In accordance with union policy "contractual issues, and therefore any disciplinary decisions, will remain confidential between the union and player involved."

Mr Hornbrook confirmed that the Otago union had spoken to Ropati on one other occasion this year about his behaviour.

It is understood Ropati was stood down from a pre-season match against the Chiefs in Invercargill on February 20 after an incident in a Dunedin street on February 14.