Reece missed Shield defence due to ban

Star Waikato winger Sevu Reece was banned from his team’s Ranfurly Shield match against Otago on Saturday, but will be available for this weekend’s semifinal, following his court appearance this month.

The 21-year-old appeared in Hamilton District Court on October 1 for sentencing on one count of male assaults female – an incident involving his girlfriend – which occurred on July 1 this year. He was discharged without conviction and fined $750.

Last week Reece had his looming two-year deal with Irish club Connacht terminated, though is considered a prospect of earning a first Super Rugby contract.

Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Blair Foote said on October 1 that a misconduct process had started, to determine what role Reece would play in the remainder of the Mitre 10 Cup season, before Reece then featured in the October 6 Mitre 10 Cup match against Northland.

Reece was then a glaring omission from the Mooloos for their match in Hamilton at the weekend, which they lost 23-19 to concede the Shield.

But only after Stuff inquiries were the reasons for Reece’s absence made public, with New Zealand Rugby yesterday announcing that a misconduct hearing had been concluded.

New Zealand Rugby head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said the misconduct process was a confidential employment matter, but that Reece and NZR had agreed to some details being released.

‘‘Sevu has accepted responsibility for the situation, is remorseful and is undertaking a suite of counselling and help programmes,’’ Lendrum said in a statement.

‘‘He was suspended for one match, a sanction he served when he was not part of Waikato’s Ranfurly Shield match against Otago on Saturday.

‘‘We continue to encourage Sevu as he seeks to make improvements in his life. Sevu has also asked to be taken out of consideration for the Duane Monkley Medal, awarded to the best Mitre 10 Cup player of the year.’’

Reece will be eligible for selection in the Championship semifinal against Northland this weekend.