Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Luckless Timani struck down by horror injury just months after alleged assault by teammate

By Online Editors
Lopeti Timani faces lengthy injury layoff (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Just months after he was allegedly the victim of a vicious assault at the hands of his Melbourne Rebels teammate Amanaki Mafi in July, luckless Lopeti Timani has been hit by horrific injury which will sideline him for a lengthy period.

ADVERTISEMENT

Timani, who moved to France to play for Top 14 side La Rochelle, ruptured his knee ligaments in last weekend’s European Challenge Cup thrashing of Russian club Enisei 82-21 in Krasnoyarsk.

It’s now been confirmed that the unfortunate Timani is expected to be out of action for at least 6 months after French club doctors assessed his injury on Tuesday following the team’s return from the match in Siberia

The 27-year-old who has 12 caps for the Wallabies, was one of La Rochelle’s high-profile summer signings. It’s a blow to new Director of Rugby Jonno Gibbes, who is due to take the reigns in mid-November. The club have had a mixed season so far with four wins and three defeats from their seven Top 14 matches, languishing in mid-table.

Continue reading below…
You may also like: Gatland picks Wales squad for Autumn Tests

Video Spacer

For 123kg Timani, who also had a spell at the Waratahs, it caps a miserable 2018. He hit the headlines in July sporting two black eyes following the alleged assault by Mafi in Dunedin in the aftermath of the Rebels Super Rugby defeat to the Highlanders.

It’s reported that the incident happened after Timani swore in front of Mafi’s sister, at a family gathering.

ADVERTISEMENT

Timani told media that he thought he feared for his life during the alleged altercation.

The Rebels handed down ‘financial sanctions’ to the both players for breaching team protocols and team management instructions, with each player has been fined the maximum AU$15,000.

Mafi, a Japan international, has since left the Rebels to play for Top League club NTT Shining Arcs.

Watch: Peter Ryan on becoming Reds’ new defence coach

Video Spacer

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 9 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

Beyond 80 | Episode 4

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Who can truly be called the best rugby side in the world

Justin Marshall | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Sevens Challenger Montevideo - Day 3

Japan Rugby League One | Wildknights v Bravelupus | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 8 | Six Nations Round 4 Preview

Los Angeles HSBC SVNS - Day 3 - Full Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Ref mic audio picks up Neil Jenkins harassing Mathieu Raynal Ref mic audio picks up Neil Jenkins harassing Mathieu Raynal
Search