Rugby: Second Highlander charged

A second Highlanders Super 14 rugby player has had a run in with the law within a few weeks.

Police said last night a 26-year-old - understood to be a senior member of the Highlanders squad - had been charged with disorderly behaviour.

It was believed he spent time in police custody from about 6.30am yesterday, following the game against the Blues at Carisbrook on Saturday night.

Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid yesterday confirmed that a player was taken into custody.

"I don't know very much at this stage but I've briefly spoken to the police and I'm aware of an incident," he told the Otago Daily Times last night.

"I don't know any of the details. I just know there was an incident and a player was taken to the police station early this morning."

The incident comes a few weeks after Highlanders winger Lucky Mulipola was convicted of assault and driving charges.

But Reid denied there was a drinking culture in the team and said Highlanders players were no worse behaved off the field than other people.

Reid said players had been given a "fairly clear message" after the Mulipola incident.

Mulipola has been remanded for sentencing next month.

With one round to play, the Highlanders lie 12th in the 14 team competition. They play the competition-leading Crusaders this weekend.

- NZPA