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Japanese club bans Amanaki Mafi
By Online Editors
Japanese international Amanaki Mafi has been banned from team activities by Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs until a verdict is made in his assault case.
Mafi re-joined the Japanese club following a stellar Super Rugby season with the Melbourne Rebels.
The 28-year-old was charged with assault with intent to injure following an incident with Melbourne Rebels teammate Lopeti Timani.
It is alleged that after Timani sent an insult in the direction of one of Mafi’s female relatives. The former was then chased, tackled onto the ground and assaulted in the street.
Timani later said of the attack that he thought he was ‘going to die’.
Mafi’s charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, though his career may still be at risk even if charges are dropped as Top League sides have a history of dropping players who find themselves out of line.
New Zealand media reported earlier this month that a restorative-justice meeting between Mafi and Timani could take place before the case is resumed in September.
The Top League season kicks off at the end of the month when Mafi's Shining Arcs play the Kobelco Steelers.
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Latest Comments
Well said. All this rubbish circulating that Richie Mo’unga could not step up to international rugby. He was so dominant for the Crusaders in there 7 title wins . But had to put up with doubting Thomas fickle Foster. The AB’s limited game plan in that time was terrible. Richie Mo’unga is a wonderful 10.
Go to commentsHe does cover them but he's not as good as any of the other specialist backrowers in any of them. He's not as good an 8 as Conan or Doris, he's not as good a flanker as any of the flankers I've mentioned and he's not as good a hybrid as Earl (yet).
At the moment most of his involvements are ball in hand but lightweight test number 8s aren't really a thing and his jackal work isn't test standard yet. I wouldn't put it beyond Pollock to play his way into contention, if anyone could do it, he could but I don't see it personally. If the Lions tour were in 2 years absolutely he'd be there. If Earl gets injured it makes it a lot more likely. I reckon Pollock may get a mid-tour callup. I'm pretty confident he won't go on the first plane though.
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