Rugby player forgives rival who hit him

Sevens player Ridge Studd was in the midst of an on-field brawl with a rival player when he was punched in the face and knocked to the ground with a serious injury.

Fast-forward two years and Studd has not only forgiven that rival, 23-year-old Iosefo Aukusitino, but he’s asked for a judge to not hold it against the young father-tobe.

“I forgave you months ago, I hold no hate, no anger, it was all unlucky,” his statement read aloud in the Wellington District Court yesterday said.

Judge Mike Mika responded by discharging the Marist St Pats player without conviction.

The two players were in the second half of a Wellington Rugby Football Union-hosted Seven’s series match at Upper Hutt’s Maidstone Park on the morning of November 14 in 2020 when the fight broke out.

Aukusitino and Studd, a member of the Petone Rugby Club, were both throwing punches when one from Aukusitino landed, connecting with Studd’s right eye.

In court yesterday, Studd’s family showed compassion in asking that Aukusitino face no legal repercussions following a successful and healing restorative justice session that took place in March.

“No conviction, no fines, no reparation, go and be a good father,” Studd’s dad told Aukusitino, who is expecting his first child this year.

Judge Mika acknowledged the impact the restorative justice process had had for both families.

“I found the report to be one of a very positive, genuine and healing conference for not only you and your aiga [family] that are present but for the victim and his whānau.”

Aukusitino pleaded guilty to one charge of wounding with reckless disregard in December and has since done significant work in his community, on his anger management, and towards healing his relationship with the victim and their family.

Crown prosecutor Grant Burston said the Crown was in the hands of the court when it came to yesterday’s outcome.

“The Crown notes the wishes of the victim and his family that through the restorative justice process that no conviction should be entered in this case,” Burston said.

He did reiterate, however, that sports clubs must understand punching someone on a sports field where it causes injury is serious criminal offending.

Aukusitino’s lawyer Tim Castle said both clubs had since united to pledge commitment against violence on, and off, the field.

“They have come together to commit to the way in which they guide young men and women playing the game.”

Judge Mika said the fact leaders and members of Aukusitino’s club had been present throughout the court process was a testament to their support, and his character.