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The New Zealand Rugby Union has slapped an alcohol ban on Lucky Mulipola after finding the Otago and Highlanders player guilty of serious misconduct.
The NZRU also fined him $1000 and ordered him to continue an alcohol counselling programme.
Mulipola was convicted recently for driving while disqualified, providing the police with a false name and for assaulting a member of the public in Dunedin in April.
The court ordered Mulipola to pay $5000 in reparation to the assault victim, suspended his driver's licence until February 2010 and instructed him to complete 180 hours of community service.
The NZRU said in a statement today it has also told him to address high school students at three colleges about the experience, and what he has learnt from it.
General manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said the NZRU took the conduct of its professional players seriously.
"Having our professional players appear in court for what we consider serious matters is totally unacceptable to us.
"We are concerned about such behaviour and have taken the appropriate action in the circumstances."
Mulipola had recognised the issues he needed to address, and the NZRU was prepared to support and assist him.
"Lucky has demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions and he is deeply embarrassed about what he has done.
"He fully understands the seriousness of the events and in fact took the initiative to seek alcohol counselling.
"He is committed to making amends and we are fully supportive of his desire to seek help. Equally, we have made it clear to Lucky that there can be no more repeat of such behaviour in being a professional rugby player."
- NZPA
