Wellington Rugby to review Losi Filipo affair

Wellington Rugby has come under fire for how is handled the case of Losi Filipo. Photo / Getty

As Wellington Rugby announced a review into the Losi Filipo affair, a new twist emerged that raised questions about how much the union knew of the player's assault charge.

Fairfax Media reported a sister of one of Filipo's victims was the long-term girlfriend of All Blacks and Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara.

Wellington Rugby announced today that, in light of the fall out from the Filipo saga, it would set up a review into its "recruiting, contracting and player monitoring processes and protocols".

Both the union and New Zealand Rugby were strongly criticised for their handling of the age grade player's court case where he was discharged without a conviction after assaulting four people in Wellington last October.

In terminating Filipo's contract, Wellington Rugby chief executive Steve Rogers said the union "was not aware" of exact details surrounding the case. But one of the victims of the assault was Olivia Samuel, sister of Perenara's girlfriend, Greer Samuel.

Wellington Rugby had not commented on that link but released a statement saying the publicity surrounding the case had "given our organisation cause to look closely at how the matter was handled.

"In that regard we are seeking a strong independent voice to lead the review and will establishing robust terms of reference for that review.

"Wellington Rugby is open to change, committed to doing things better in the future, and determined to ensure the organisation follows best practice should any similar cases emerge in the future."

New Zealand Rugby has said it would be making no further comment on the affair given the New Zealand Police had been granted the right to appeal the lack of conviction.