All Black Lauaki admits assault

Sione Lauaki after appearing in court today. Picture / Amos Chapple

All Blacks and Chiefs rugby player Sione Lauaki has admitted a charge of assaulting a security officer in Hamilton last month.

He told the Hamilton District Court today he would plead guilty to a charge of assaulting the man in Hamilton.

The court refused to allow news cameras into court but outside court Lauaki's minder told photographers and cameramen to "piss off" and pushed away a reporter who got too close.

He was remanded on bail for police to consider diversion. If Lauaki gets diversion he will be discharged without conviction.

Lauaki admitted assaulting the man in an incident in Victoria Street, Hamilton, on January 20. It was reported at the time the man was left with a bloody nose, a swollen lip and suspected concussion.

Details of the assault were suppressed in court.

Lauaki, 1.94m tall and weighing 115kg, had his All Blacks debut against Fiji last year. He also played three tests against Sir Clive Woodward's touring Lions side and tests against Australia, Ireland and Scotland.

The loose forward is described by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) as a remarkable athlete for a player of his size.

- NZPA