Bad boy Luaki gets the all clear

Sione Lauaki has received the all clear to play against the Bulls this coming Friday night in Hamilton. The Chiefs currently in 6th position on the Super 14 log look to get their campaign back on track and seriously contend for that top four spot.

Chiefs No 8 Sione Lauaki has been sanctioned by the New Zealand Rugby
Union (NZRU) for serious misconduct after an altercation at a Hamilton bar last month.

Lauaki, 28, attended a NZRU disciplinary meeting in Hamilton on Tuesday.  NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the misconduct related to a late night altercation in early March.

Last month, Lauaki pleaded guilty in the Hamilton District Court to a charge of common assault, with sentencing held over to next month.

Mr Sorensen said the NZRU disciplinary meeting substantiated a finding of serious misconduct, under terms of the Collective Employment Agreement (CEA).

“We take these matters extremely seriously but in this case there were a number of mitigating circumstances and we are comfortable that the incident itself was at the lower end of the scale. However, Sione has a history of similar conduct and we have imposed a sanction which reflects that we have treated this matter seriously,” Mr Sorensen said.

Taking all circumstances into consideration, Lauaki has been given a full and final warning, a substantial fine and one week suspension, already served.

So it’s all very serious but the one match ban already served was enough punishment and that’s that, what are your views?