WELLINGTON, May 14, 2011 (AFP) - - Cancer-stricken Auckland Blues rugby player Kurtis Haiu was reported Saturday to be facing a serious charge of assaulting a female.
The powerfully built Haiu, a lock who has played more than 50 Super games, stepped away from rugby three weeks ago when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on a rib.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper said Haiu had been arrested in South Auckland and charged with assault on a female, assault with intent to use a weapon, and common assault.
He is to appear in court next Wednesday.
Haiu refused to comment to the news media but his manager Bruce Sharrock confirmed there had been an incident and the charges did not involve Haiu's wife.
"We're still gathering information. It would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment until we do," he said.
When news of Haiu's cancer was made public, the Blues' team doctor, Stephen Kara said the prognosis was uncertain but he believed it was treatable.