Super 14
Vainikolo fined following bar incident
NZPA
February 19, 2009
The Highlanders' Fetu Vainikolo makes a break, Highlanders v Western Force, Super 14, Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown, New Zealand, March 22, 2008
Vainikolo wil miss this week' Super 14 clash with the Highlanders after being handed a one-match suspension by the Highlanders © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Fetu'u Vainikolo
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Highlanders rugby player Fetu'u Vainikolo has been censured by the New Zealand Rugby Union for "serious misconduct" following an early morning incident in Dunedin last weekend.

A member of the public complained to the Highlanders about Vainikolo's behaviour at a Dunedin bar early on February 14 when he threw a drink over a woman.

Vainikolo met today with New Zealand Rugby Union and Highlanders officials. NZRU general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said the incident was deemed to be serious misconduct under the players' Collective Employment Agreement.

Vainikolo has been fined $1000 and received a formal warning about future similar misconduct. He will also have to undertake counselling for alcohol and behaviour management.

The Highlanders team management has suspended Vainikolo for one match because his behaviour breached Highlanders' team protocols, and he will miss tomorrow's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Sorensen said Vainikolo has already met the woman involved in the incident and her family, apologised for his behaviour and the family had accepted his apology.

© Scrum.com

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