New Zealand forward Sione Lauaki charged with assault
• Back-rower accused after incident in Hamilton bar
• Omitted by coach from Waikato Chiefs Super 14 match
The New Zealand forward Sione Lauaki has been charged with assault following an incident in a bar in his hometown of Hamilton last week.
Lauaki, a back-rower who has played 17 Tests for the All Blacks, was charged today after an investigation by Hamilton police. He will appear in the District Court in Hamilton on 23 March.
The 28-year-old was due to return to the Waikato Chiefs side for their Super 14 match against the Canterbury Crusaders on Friday, ending a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle. But the Chiefs coach Ian Foster said Lauaki would now be omitted from the team.
"Sione and I have decided that in light of the week that he has had, the right thing to do is not play him in this game," Foster said. "We will fully support Sione over the next few weeks."
Via: Sport: New Zealand rugby union team | guardian.co.uk.
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