Tipoki admits assault

Former Maori All Black captain Rua Tipoki has admitted he assaulted a man at a party in Tolaga Bay in 2015.

The 42yearold pleaded guilty to assault with intent to injure four days into a jury trial in the Gisborne District Court.

Tipoki’s father, Reihana Tipoki (66), was jointly charged but has since been cleared.

The Tipokis had name suppression but it lapsed with the guilty plea.

Tipoki has been remanded on bail until sentencing on November 21.

A midfielder or firstfive, he played his rugby for North Harbour, Bay of Plenty and East Coast at provincial level, as well as the Crusaders, Blues and Highlanders in Super Rugby.