Rugby: All Black Shannon Frizell apologises, set to avoid conviction over violence charges

Shannon Frizell in court in Dunedin today. Photo / ODT

Highlanders and All Blacks player Shannon Frizell has apologised for assaulting two people as he looks set to avoid a conviction on violence charges.

The 27-year-old Tongan-born loose forward with 15 international caps to his name appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning on two charges of assaulting a woman and one of common assault.

Defence counsel Anne Stevens, QC, asked for the case to be adjourned so he could complete the requirements of diversion - a scheme used by police to help first offenders avoid a conviction.

Those conditions would be set by police and could include restorative justice meetings, reparation payments or voluntary work, and require an acceptance of guilt.

All Black star Shannon Frizell faces two all counts of assaulting a female and one of common assault. Photo / NZH

Outside court, Frizell apologised to "the people involved, my family, friends and the wider community".

"I let myself and others down and I will now try to do everything I can to restore people's faith in me," he said.

"I already have put a plan in place with counsellors to help me address areas I want to work on."

The alleged incident took place on May 9 and is understood to have occurred outside a bar in the Octagon.

The victim of the common assault is understood to be a Dunedin premier club rugby player.

The Octagon bar Vault 21. Photo / NZH

Frizell was allowed bail and ordered not to contact either victim or consume alcohol until his next appearance in September.

Stevens opposed photos of her client being taken in the dock but Judge Peter Rollo said the defendant, despite his status, should be treated like anyone else who appeared before the court.

The New Zealand Rugby Union was expected to make a statement later today.

Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said at the time he was aware of the incident and there would be an investigation.

Frizell was dropped from the Highlanders squad the week after the alleged incident but Clark said it was not a punishment, simply a measure to avoid "distraction".

The All Blacks are due to play Australia for the Bledisloe Cup next month.