Blues' Ranger excused from court over assault

Blues winger Rene Ranger has been excused from appearing in court when his assault case is called tomorrow, the Super 14 rugby franchise said today.

Ranger was stood down by the Blues last week over an off-the-field incident at Matakana, north of Auckland, but has been recalled for the match against the Hurricanes tomorrow night.

He was due to travel with the squad to Wellington today.

Ranger, 22, faces a charge of assault arising from what was described as a physical altercation on April 18, the day after the Blues beat the Highlanders in Auckland.

The matter is due to be come before a registrar in Warkworth District Court tomorrow morning, with Ranger expected to be remanded until May 29, when he would be considered for diversion.

Blues management said that, after an application from Ranger's lawyer, the court agreed that the player would not have to appear in person tomorrow.

Ranger also faces a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing next Tuesday over the incident.

He is the second player to be stood down for a match by the Blues and to be called before an NZRU misconduct hearing over the past month.

Halfback Taniela Moa was fined $1200 and given a formal warning by the NZRU over a bottle-throwing incident at an Auckland rugby club on March 28.

- NZPA