Rugby player kicked out

Taranaki rugby player Paul Perez was yesterday due to be flown to Samoa on an outstanding removal order, after being convicted of assault.

The 23-year-old had been set to appear in New Plymouth District Court on another assault charge but the defended hearing was adjourned with Perez not present.

Prosecutors said they would not hold up his removal from New Zealand because of the latest charge.

Perez was served with the removal order in December after his work permit was revoked following his conviction.

He had been found guilty the month before on two counts of domestic assault and wilful damage after he choked and punched his pregnant partner.