Blues player accused of throwing bottle

Taniela Moa. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Police are investigating a complaint that Blues halfback Taniela Moa threw a bottle that hit a woman.

A witness told the Herald the player was drinking with mates at the Marist Rugby Club in Ellerslie on Saturday evening when the incident happened.

The source, who did not want to be identified, said Moa appeared to be drunk, and it is believed he threw the bottle after being spoken to about his behaviour.

Auckland police say they are investigating an assault complaint against the new father-of-one, whose Blues player profile says he prays before every game.

The 23-year-old is tipped as an All Black contender.

The Auckland Rugby Union will hold a misconduct hearing early next week.

Chief executive Andy Dalton said the question of whether Moa would be stood down from Super 14 duties would be discussed at the hearing.

Blues trainer Ant Strachan said yesterday the matter was one for the NZ Rugby Union, which was investigating the incident "under its normal processes".

Marist club captain Des Topp distanced the club from the matter, saying Moa was not affiliated with his club, but "merely there at the time".

The Rugby Union said no further comment would be made until after the misconduct hearing.