Blues centre faces two assault charges

The Blues are standing by their centre Rene Ranger after it emerged yesterday he was the professional rugby player facing two assault charges following an alleged bashing last year.

Police allege Ranger assaulted a man and left him requiring medical treatment outside the Mangawhai Tavern last August.

The 23-year-old appeared in the Warkworth District Court in October charged with two counts of injuring with intent to injure. He was granted interim name suppression.

When that order lapsed on March 12, Ranger fought to keep his name secret, appealing against the judge's decision to the High Court.

However, the appeal was rejected late last week and the suppression order lapsed at midday yesterday.

After his name was made public, Ranger spoke of his disappointment at Blues training.

"Firstly, I'd just like to say that I am disappointed that I was involved in something and it has got to this stage. It is not good for me, my family and not fair on the team.

"It is now in the court's hands and I've just got to get on and do my job and do what's best for this team."

Coach Pat Lam said the team were supporting Ranger.

"Rene is an employee of the Blues franchise and we have been kept right across what has been happening and while it did not happen in our season - it happened last year - we have been well-informed on what has been going on."

Lam said they would let the court "take its process".

"We are totally behind Rene and it is important now that he, just like he has been doing since the season started, is focusing in on his job and doing what is best for him and what is best for the team."

Ranger is a former New Zealand Sevens representative and last year made the Junior All Blacks squad.

He will next be back in the Whangarei District Court on April 30 when a trial date is likely to be set.