19 Feb 2009

Highlanders winger fined and suspended for throwing drink over woman

6:47 pm on 19 February 2009

The Highlanders rugby winger Fetu'u Vainikolo has been fined $1000 and suspended for one match after throwing a drink over a woman in a Dunedin bar.

A complaint to the Highlanders about Vainikolo's behaviour at a Dunedin bar in the early hours of Saturday morning prompting a New Zealand rugby union and Highlanders investigation.

The union's General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen says the incident was deemed to be serious misconduct under the player's employment contract, and on top of the fine and suspension will undergo alcohol and behaviour counselling.

Sorensen says Vainikolo has already met and apologised to the woman involved.