All Black Lauaki charged with assault

Sione Lauaki

Sione Lauaki has been named as the All Black charged with common assault after an incident in central Hamilton early today.

Acting Senior Sergeant Morgan Kutia of Hamilton police confirmed a 24-year-old Waikato sports personality was arrested shortly before 5am.

The man was released before 6am and bailed to appear in Hamilton District Court on January 26.

He was charged with common assault on a 26-year-old man in Victoria St.

It was already known that the man involved was a Chiefs Super 14 player. Lauaki was named by Newstalk ZB at lunchtime.

Chiefs chief executive Gary Dawson said Lauaki had agreed his name could be released, partly to prevent speculation that the incident involved any of his other All Blacks and Chiefs teammates, and partly because media were already moving to publish his name.

"We haven't changed our view that it's a matter for the police to complete their work and if it is going to go through the judicial system then that has to take place and until that happens and we know all the facts we're not making any comment."

Dawson said it was premature to say what any internal disciplinary measures from the Chiefs might be until the outcome of the police investigation was known but Lauaki was bound by a collective employment agreement as a professional rugby player.

"It's fairly extensive in there in terms of the various options available if there is misconduct of any sort," he said.

Lauaki would not be making any statement at this stage.

"We've advised him that until he's met with his legal adviser on Monday that all communication will come through me," Dawson said.

Tongan-born, the 115kg 1.94m Lauaki has played seven tests for the All Blacks after starring for the combined Pacific Islands side is his international debut.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) spokesman Brian Finn said the union would not comment on any incident that was subject to a police investigation.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB