Auckland Blues rugby player Kurtis Haiu has appeared in court facing three assault charges.
He appeared at Pukekohe District Court on Wednesday charged with male assaults female, assault and possessing a weapon, namely a hammer.
The 26-year-old, who has been diagnosed with bone cancer, has taken indefinite leave from rugby while he receives treatment.
The incident over which he was charged is alleged to have happened earlier this month in Karaka, south of Auckland.
One of the victims has been named as failed property developer Glenn Cooper who is being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office.
Kurtis Haiu has been remanded on bail to reappear in court next month.
