All Black faces assault charge after bar scuffle

Norm Maxwell

All Black and Canterbury Crusaders forward Norm Maxwell was arrested and charged with assault after an early morning brawl in Dunedin yesterday.

Maxwell is alleged to have got involved in a shoving match with another man at 4.45am outside the Ra Bar in the Octagon. "It's a minor, common assault, not a serious one," said Senior Sergeant Brian Benn. "No one was taken to hospital ... I can't confirm if any punches were thrown."

Maxwell, 29, is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on Thursday.

Police said the rugby player denied assaulting anyone, Newstalk ZB reported. He was arrested after refusing a request to leave because of his behaviour.

Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said the matter was before the courts and internal investigations were under way.

Maxwell was with the Crusaders in Dunedin for their 27-13 defeat of the Highlanders on Saturday night, but did not play because of a finger injury.

He is available to play for the All Blacks this year but is seeking an early contract release so he can play overseas. It is understood he is close to signing with a club in Japan.