Amanaki Lelei Mafi has been suspended by the Japan Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs until a verdict is reached in his assault case.
Mafi faces charges of assault for attacking Rebels team-mate Lopeti Timani after the Melbourne side’s 43-37 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Timani is alleged to have made a derogatory comment about a member of Mafi’s family. Both players were fined 15,000 Australian dollars each.
Mafi is currently out on bail in Japan and was unable to attend Thursday’s hearing in Dunedin District Court.