Warrant to arrest former Stags player

INVERCARGILL: A warrant for arrest was issued for a former Southland Stags rugby player who did not turn up to his sentencing in the Invercargill District Court yesterday.

Pita William Hapurona Wilson (43) pleaded guilty last year to two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of obstructing a medical officer.

The charges related to an incident in Alexandra on April 3, during the lockdown, when he was stopped by police while driving in Kelman St.

Police found a shotgun and shotgun shell in the boot of his car.

Wilson played for the Southland Stags in 2003, having previously played for North Harbour.

He has more than 20 previous convictions.