South Canterbury rugby player John Junior Faave jailed for attempted rape

A South Canterbury rugby player has been sent to jail for indecent assault and attempted rape.

John Junior Faave appeared in the Timaru District Court this morning where he was sentenced to two and half years in prison for the charges, Fairfax reported.

The attack happened on January 24, 2015, Fairfax said.

"Faavae's offending was wrong and we don't tolerate it or condone it," the South Canterbury Rugby Union chairman Ray Teahen said in a statement.

"Our thoughts today are with the victim. It is pleasing he has pleaded guilty and taken responsibility for his offending.

"South Canterbury Rugby only became aware of the allegations against Faavae in February this year, and we would not have selected him had known about it earlier."