Vodacom Super Rugby
Ioane handed one-match ban
2013-03-11 07:59
Sydney - Queensland Rugby Union on Monday dropped Wallaby wing Digby Ioane from this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Force following an incident at a pub in Melbourne.
Police in Victoria state said they were investigating an alleged assault of a 30-year-old man who sustained a minor leg injury on Saturday night, with Ioane interviewed.
The QRU had a meeting with the player on Monday and both parties agreed that Ioane had failed to demonstrate the necessary behaviour expected of a senior player within the Reds squad, officials said in a team statement.
"Digby has taken responsibility for his actions and is cognisant of the high standards and organisational values expected of each member of the Reds squad both on and off the field," it said.
The QRU made clear the decision was related directly to the expectations on Ioane as a senior team member, and not as an outcome of the police enquiries.
"Digby will continue to train with the Reds and will be available for selection next week in the team's round six Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Brisbane," the QRU said.
The alleged weekend incident happened the night after the Reds beat the Rebels in Melbourne.