Vuna 'banned' from social media

Rebels wing Cooper Vuna has been told to stay away from social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.

This follows his much-publicised brawl with an inebriated teammate Kurtley Beale on the team bus in Durban last Saturday.

The incident occurred when Beale, clearly under the weather, abused Rebels skipper Gareth Delve after the Welsh No.8 told him to put his shirt back on on the bus back to their team Durban hotel. Vuna intervened and was punched by Beale, before retaliating and felling the utility back.

Both players were sent home on Monday, following an initial team hearing into the altercation took place after the Rebels suffered a humiliating 7-64 loss to the Sharks earlier that day.

The Rebels announced on Wednesday that they had completed Vuna's disciplinary hearing.

In a statement the Rebels said officials took into account Vuna's previous behaviour and exemplary work within the community.

"The franchise endorsed the immediate sanction of standing Vuna down for this week's match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein," the statement said.

They went on to say that Vuna also agreed to "private undertakings", including not partaking in any form of social media activity.

It was Vuna who first blew the lid on Beale's antics on the team buss.

Hours after the Rebels' record 10-try defeat by the Sharks in Durban, Vuna revealed in a tweet that Beale hit him.

"I need to leave right now, this ain't for me! I tried to help someone but got punched so instead of putting him in hospital il leave!" Vuna posted.

The tweet was deleted but later published on a fan website, with one Twitter user asking Vuna if his alleged assailant was drunk.

Vuna replied: "Hmmmmm his name is kurtley_beale bloody grub!"

After Wednesday's hearing, Vuna expressed his regret.

"I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment this event has caused to the franchise and the people I love," Vuna said in a statement.

"During my time with the Melbourne Rebels I have turned my life around.

"The outcome of this incident in Durban is not consistent with the values of my family, my church and my football franchise.

"I apologise to the many loyal Rebel fans who have been an inspiration to me.

"Although I haven't deserved the opportunity to make amends for our unacceptable performance last week, be assured if selected I will do everything possible to deliver a winning result in Perth next week."

Vuna will be re-introduced to the team on Monday and will be available for selection in Round Eight.