Melbourne Rebels’sour end to the Super Rugby season has taken a nasty turn with revelations star player Amanaki Mafi is in New Zealand Police custody and will face charges following an alleged assault on teammate Lopeti Timani.
The alleged assault occurred on a night out after the Rebels suffered a heartbreaking 43-37 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
That defeat — coupled with the Sharks’ 20-10 win over the Jaguares in Durban on Sunday (AEST) — meant the Rebels missed out on qualifying for the finals for the first time.
A NZ Police spokeswoman told foxsports.com.au on Sunday that a “man has been charged with injuring with intent to injure following an alleged assault in South Dunedin last night.
“The man is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on the 16th July 2018.
“The alleged victim… received moderate injuries following the incident.
“He did not require hospitalisation.”