Violent Highlander banned

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The New Zealand Rugby Union is beginning to show 'zero tolerance' towards off-field violence by players.

Highlanders lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit has been suspended for four weeks, after he assaulted a man outside the Night ‘n Day in Invercargill.

Selby-Rickit was convicted over the assault, which left the victim with a fractured jaw.

He was ordered to pay the victim NZ$8000 in reparations and subsequently found guilty of serious misconduct in a NZ Rugby misconduct hearing.

In a statement NZ Rugby said Selby-Rickit acknowledged his behaviour did not meet the standard required of a professional player.

NZ Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said he would not be available for two of the Highlanders’ two pre-season fixtures, or the first two Super Rugby games of 2020.

He will be permitted to train with the team.

"We have made it clear that there is no place in rugby for violence and we expect better decisions from players when it comes to alcohol," Lendrum said.

"Manaaki has been formally sanctioned with a warning, and we are requiring him to undergo counselling," the statement added.

NZ Rugby, the Highlanders and Selby-Rickit have also agreed on a programme of counselling and monitoring to ensure he is committed to rehabilitation.

"Now that the employment process is complete, no further comment will be made."

The Highlanders start their 2020 Super Rugby season against the Sharks in Dunedin on February 7.