Highlanders winger denies assault

Otago and Highlanders winger Lucky Mulipola has denied an assault charge but could lose his rugby contract if found guilty.

Mulipola, 26, has been charged with assault with intent to injure Majdi Ghanem Mohammed Abed-Rabbo on May 22 in Dunedin.

Mulipola pleaded not guilty to the charge in the Dunedin District Court yesterday. Judge Geoff Rea refused continued name suppression, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Reid told the paper termination of contract was an option for the New Zealand and Otago unions.

The New Zealand Rugby Union would be considering a variety of options which could include termination of contract.

However, no decision had yet been made and the union might have to wait until the court case concludes.

Mr Reid said he was hugely disappointed another player had appeared in court.

"I am sick of these sorts of things happening. The public are sick of it and it is just not right that these incidents are happening," he said.

Mulipola is a Super 14 player and is employed by the New Zealand Rugby Union. He is also in the Otago squad for the upcoming Air New Zealand Cup domestic provincial competition.

He made his provincial debut for Nelson Bays in 2003 and played for the Tasman Makos in 2006.

He was remanded to appear at a status hearing on August 24.

- NZPA