Two more Melbourne Rebels stood down after assault allegations
Any surprises here with the Rebels culture?
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Two more Melbourne Rebels stood down after assault allegations
07:52, July 24 2018
DARRIAN TRAYNOR/GETTY IMAGES
Hunter Paisami has been suspended indefinitely by the Melbourne Rebels.
The Melbourne Rebels have found themselves in the midst of more drama with two players suspended indefinitely after allegations they were involved in an incident that left a man in hospital.
The Rebels have confirmed that rookie players Hunter Paisami and Pone Fa'amausili have been stood down pending investigations.
The club said the pair have admitted to being involved in the incident, which took place in the early hours of Sunday in Melbourne.
PAUL KANE/GETTY IMAGES
Pone Fa'amausili on the charge for the Rebels against the Force in World Series Rugby match in Perth in June.
No charges have been laid although Fa'amausili has provided a statement to police, while Paisami is expected to do the same on Tuesday.
READ MORE:
* Mafi's Japan club inquires into incident
* Timani: 'I thought I was going to die'
* Mafi, Timani fined over Dunedin incident
* Mystery shrouds Rebels after Mafi granted bail
* Mafi appears in court after alleged assault
The club said it was co-operating fully with any further investigations, as were both players. Rugby Australia had been made aware of the developments but did not offer any comment.
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The alleged incident came to light via social media with the sister of the purported victim saying the man was knocked unconscious and had to be revived at the scene after what was described as a "coward punch".
The post also said that "our family is shaken to the core, but are extremely blessed and greatful [sic] that this wasn't a fatal attack".
Allegations of this nature couldn't have come at a worse time for the Rebels, after No 9 Amanaki Mafi was arrested a week ago in New Zealand after an alleged attack on teammate Lopeti Timani.
Timani said he feared for his life during the incident in Dunedin.
"I said, 'Mate, why are you doing this to me, I thought you were my teammate, I know your family, are you punching me because you're angry because I said something offensive to your family?'
"I thought I was going to die."
Fa'amausili and Paisami are both in their first seasons with the Super Rugby franchise.
Prop Fa'amausili, 21, has played only one match for the Rebels, an 11-minute cameo off the bench, but is signed to the club through to 2020.
Centre Paisami, 20, is yet to make a Super Rugby appearance and is on an extended squad contract.
- Sydney Morning Herald and AAP
