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Controversial ex-Rebels star returns to Super Rugby despite assault charges

By Online Editors
Former Rebels star Amanaki Mafi. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Controversial ex-Rebels star Amanaki Mafi has been signed by the Sunwolves despite ongoing legal issues regarding his assault charge in New Zealand.

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The Japanese franchise announced their acquisition of the 29-year-old on their social media channels earlier this week, although the length of the deal was not disclosed.

The move comes as legal proceedings in New Zealand have been delayed following an incident last July where Mafi was charged with assaulting then-teammate Lopeti Timani in Dunedin after their season-ending defeat to the Highlanders.

Both players were consequently fined upwards of A$15,000 and released from their contracts with the Rebels, with Timani instead departing to France to join La Rochelle in the Top 14, while Mafi – who pleaded not guilty – returned to the Japanese Top League with NTT Communications Shining Arcs.

The 22-test loose forward was initially barred from all team activities upon his arrival back at the Japanese club, but was made eligible to play in November after releasing a letter of apology to the team, where he explained the incident and outlined his intentions to regain the trust of all those involved, including fans.

His return to top-level rugby continued last week when he was named in a World Cup training squad by Japan head coach Jamie Joseph.

With a reputation as an explosive ball carrier, Mafi was named Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year in 2017 in his debut campaign with the Rebels following a string of outstanding showings with ball in hand, which saw him finish the season with third-most carries (196), eighth-most offloads (24), and 10th for metres gained (990) in the competition.

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He backed that up with another sensational display for the Melbourne-based club last year, where he was first for ball carries (253) and fourth for metres gained (1345).

Mafi joins a Sunwolves side that has just returned to Tokyo off the back of their successful tour to New Zealand, where they claimed their first-ever win outside of Japan, beating the Chiefs 30-15 in Hamilton.

The Tony Brown-coached franchise followed that up with a narrow 28-20 loss at the hands of an emotionally-charged Blues side, and are now set to face the Reds at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium this weekend, where Mafi could make his debut for the club.

In other news:

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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