Maxwell assault charge withdrawn

An assault charge against All Black lock Norm Maxwell has been withdrawn. Dunedin police said he was accepted into a diversion programme and had completed it.

Maxwell was interviewed by a diversion officer on Tuesday and completed his diversion conditions by paying a $700 donation to his chosen charity.

He had also written letters apologising to the doorman, a police officer who attended the incident and the duty manager of Ra Cafe and Bar.

Maxwell was arrested after an incident in a Dunedin bar the morning after the Crusaders' May 7 match against the Highlanders.

He had been a spectator at the game because he was still recuperating from surgery to repair a badly broken and dislocated finger.

Maxwell was chosen for this year's Super 12, started late after lengthy conditioning work but was then injured.

The Herald understands he has told the All Black selectors his body is not up to the rigours of a test series against the Lions.

He felt uneasy about tarnishing the All Black heritage.

It is understood he said he hoped to play instead in Japan or retire.