All Black Sione Lauaki's career is in jeopardy after an early-morning scuffle in downtown Hamilton left him facing an assault charge.
Tongan-born Lauaki, who made his debut for the All Blacks against Fiji last year, was yesterday forced to confirm he was the sportsman arrested by police after he was
named by media.
Lauaki was arrested at 4.52am yesterday after allegedly assaulting a 26-year-old man, taken to the Hamilton police station and released on bail at 5.43am. He will appear in the Hamilton District Court on Thursday.
Acting Senior Sergeant Morgan Kutia said police had statements from witnesses to the alleged assault.
A furore erupted last year when an All Black who admitted assaulting his pregnant wife was discharged without conviction and given permanent name suppression.
Lauaki never got the chance to apply to the court for name suppression after being publicly named within a few hours of his arrest. He later confirmed to his Waikato Chiefs Super 14 team that he was the player involved. He faces a charge of common assault, which carries a maximum jail term of one year.
He is doing pre-season training for the Super 14 tournament, but yesterday was the first of three days off.
Lauaki played in seven test matches in his first season as an All Black, and at 115kg and 1.94m tall, is rated an explosive ball runner and athlete at number eight or flanker.
NZRU players' contracts require certain standards of behaviour.
If misconduct is proven, sanctions range from a warning through to termination of a player's contract.
Lauaki and his agent, Lou Thompson, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson said the Chiefs' team management had spoken with Lauaki. "Until I know all the facts and see what the outcome ... is, I'm really not going to make any comment one way or another," he said.
