Rugby star's suppression request rejected

Declan O'Donnell. Photo / Getty Images

A New Zealand rugby sevens star accused of assault with intent to injure and common assault during a Hamilton pub brawl has had his request for image suppression refused.

Declan O'Donnell was remanded without plea to reappear in Hamilton District Court on June 9.

Community magistrate Hovell refused the suppression request from O'Donnell's lawyer, saying his client's identity was a matter of public interest.

"Unfortunately when something goes wrong and you allegedly step on the wrong side of the law there are consequences," Ms Hovell said.

O'Donnell appeared quite humble in the dock and was rushed away with a family member, believe to be his mother, after the appearance.

The charges relate to an incident outside a Hamilton nightclub, The Outback Inn, on January 21 during which a bouncer was allegedly assaulted.

A virtual unknown before he lit up the Wellington Sevens nearly two weeks after the alleged incident, the 94kg O'Donnell was declined police diversion on the charges

His court appearance comes 10 days before the London leg of the Sevens World Series, in which on current form it is likely he will play barring injury.

John Lawrenson, who owns The Outback Inn, said O'Donnell approached him about a week after the alleged incident to apologise.

He felt the apology was genuine.

The NZ Rugby Union's general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said sanctions against O'Donnell would not be decided until the court case was over.

He said the NZRU expected a high standard of behaviour from contracted players.

O'Donnell was 19 when he played his first games for the New Zealand Sevens team last December after coach Gordon Tietjens plucked him from obscurity while he was playing in a club tournament in Hamilton.

O'Donnell, who does not have a contract with his Waikato province, saw his rugby stocks rise markedly after a stellar performance at this year's Wellington Sevens, in which he scored 10 tries.