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ESPN staff
The Melbourne Rebels have suspended two players indefinitely after they were involved in an incident that has left one man in hospital with serious injuries.
Rookies Hunter Paisami and Pone Faamausili were both accused of seriously injuring a man during a late-night brawl on Saturday night. They have since both admitted to their presence, and the Rebels have since stood them down until the conclusion of a police investigation.
Faamausili, who made his debut for the Rebels this season, provided a statement to police on Sunday over the alleged incident but charges have been laid, while Paisami has yet to provide a statement.
Both players have also spoken to Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson and team manager Tony Thorpe.
Faamausili recently signed a new deal with the club that will see him at the club through to 2020, while Paisami has yet to make his Super Rugby debut.
The allegations came to light on Sunday via social media, when the alleged victim’s sister accused the two players of delivering a “king hit” to the back of his head, causing him to lose consciousness and leaving him to bleed on the ground. However, there are believed to be conflicting accounts of the events.
Rugby Australia have been made aware of the events, but have not released any statements.
The incident follows Rebels No.8 Amanaki Mafi’s arrest in New Zealand last weekend that saw him charged with injuring with intent to injure teammate Lopeti Timani. Mafi was granted bail in Dunedin District Court with the case set to return to court on August 3.
Mafi and Timani were both fined $15,000 for the incident, while Mafi’s Japan Top League club NTT Shining Arcs are requesting a please explain following the incident.