Rugby: Tauelangi admits bar assault

South Canterbury rugby player Sione Tuita Tauelangi has pleaded guilty to assaulting another player in a Timaru bar.

The 28-year-old fisheries worker admitted two assault charges in Timaru District Court yesterday, the Timaru Herald reported.

Judge Michael Crombie remanded Tauelangi at large until July 7 to take part in a restorative justice programme.

The court was told the two assaults took place in March.

The first incident was in a Timaru bar where an unprovoked Tauelangi punched the victim once in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

The second incident occurred outside the same bar when a group of people were getting into a taxi.

When he was told the taxi was for other people, Tauelangi clipped the man across the forehead with an open hand, causing his head to jolt back, the court was told.

- NZPA