New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the All Blacks and Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell has been charged with assault after an incident at a Dunedin nightclub in May.
Shannon Frizell Photo: PHOTOSPORT/ Andrew Cornaga
A police spokesperson said a 27-year-old man had been charged with two alleged offences of assaulting a woman and one charge of common assault.
Frizell's Super Rugby side the Highlanders said in May the All Black was being investigated by police for an incident at a Dunedin nightspot and dropped him from the team to face Australia's Queensland Reds.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said on Monday it was aware Frizell had been charged by police but declined to provide details.
"It's obviously disappointing. Disappointing for him and disappointing for us (NZR) that he's in this position. But, in fairness to Shannon, we still need to meet and hear from him.
"Because this matter is before the courts, we are unable to make any further comment at this stage," NZR's general manager for professional rugby and high performance Chris Lendrum said.
The Highlanders on Monday declined to comment and directed media enquiries to NZR.
The New Zealand Herald said Frizell was to appear in Dunedin District Court on Tuesday.
Frizell featured in the All Blacks' July tests against Fiji and was named in their squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup against Australia and the following Rugby Championship.
- RNZ/Reuters