Willie Ripia has returned to Rotorua to be around his family following his resignation from the Western Force Super Rugby outfit yesterday for stealing from his teammates.
The first five-eighths was caught on CCTV footage taking money from the wallets of his teammates at the team's Perth headquarters. Players had earlier suspected him of theft and complained to management but Ripia denied the accusations until confronted with video footage.
Ripia had been receiving counselling for a gambling problem.
Ripia's management said in a statement today he would return to Rotorua as he works through serious issues relating to gambling.
"Willie will be in a supportive family environment while he engages professional support to help him address his gambling problem," the statement said.
