By STUART DYE
Former All Black Troy Flavell, scheduled to leave today to take up a contract in Japan, faces a police investigation for alleged assault.
It is alleged that Flavell punched a 23-year-old Aucklander, shattering his front teeth, after an argument over spilled drinks.
The 15-test veteran did not return calls yesterday.
His manager, Rob Brady, refused to comment.
Detective Sergeant Phil Kirkham said they were investigating after a man complained he had been assaulted by Flavell at Coast Bar in the Viaduct Harbour area around 2.45am on Saturday.
Several people had been interviewed, including Flavell, said Mr Kirkham. "He has been talked to and the matter is under investigation but no charges have been laid."
More witnesses needed to be spoken to, he said.
Flavell was to leave Auckland Airport this morning in a $1.4 million move to Japanese side Toyota.
Last night, his new bosses said the investigation was unlikely to have any bearing on the move.
"Troy has a contract with Toyota and it's as simple as that," said coach Errol Brain. This is the latest incident in a chequered history for the powerful back five forward which has seen him banned from the game three times for violence.
It is only six weeks since the end of a month-long ban for striking England skipper Richard Hill during the New Zealand Barbarians' clash against the world champions at Twickenham in December 2003.
