Rebels teammates may discuss assault
A Melbourne Rebels rugby star and the team mate he allegedly attacked may sit down to discuss the incident.
Amanaki Lelei Mafi (28) was arrested after an alleged attack he made on fellow forward Lopeti Timani in South Dunedin, following his side’s loss to the Highlanders and subsequent exit from this season’s Super Rugby competition last month.
The Japanese international was charged with injuring with intent to injure and within days, photos emerged of the complainant sporting two black eyes on his return to Australia.
Mafi is at present on bail in Japan, and was excused from appearing in the Dunedin District Court when his case was called yesterday.
Counsel Anne Stevens requested Judge Kevin Phillips vary her client’s bail, which had barred him from all contact with Timani.
Mrs Stevens told the court there was a possibility the two men would participate in a restorativejustice conference.
There had been discussions through intermediaries to that effect, she said.
The judge granted the bail variation so the two players could have contact, but only if that was overseen by the officer in charge of the case, Detective Mark Durant.
Mafi remained on bail until the next court hearing, which will take place in two weeks. The pair were each fined $A15,000 as a result of the latenight episode, for breaching team protocols and management instructions.
‘‘Notwithstanding that both Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani were finishing at the Rebels this season and heading overseas to continue their playing careers, it is only appropriate, given the seriousness of the incident, to sanction both players with a significant fine,’’ Melbourne Rebels chief executive officer Baden Stephenson said.
‘‘The actions of these two players is totally contrary to our club’s values and has tarnished the excellent work of so many in the club, both on and off the field this season . . . I only hope that both Amanaki and Lopeti genuinely reflect on and learn from this very troubling incident.’’
Rugby Australia is conducting its own investigation into the incident.