JRFU play down fresh Amanaki Mafi incident

Editor

The Japan Rugby Union has played down rumours of an altercation between Amanaki Mafi and a member of staff earlier this year.

Mafi is currently in Japan awaiting the outcome of criminal proceedings in New Zealand, where he allegedly assaulted Rebels team-mate Lopeti Timani.

And according to Fairfax Media, another incident has come to light where the number eight was apparently involved in a physical exchange with a member of Brave Blossoms’ backroom staff while on Test duty in June.

However, the JRFU released a statement insisting the argument was not physical and that the matter had been resolved.

“Amanaki Lelei Mafi had a disagreement with one of our staff, but clearly it was nothing violent,” a spokeswoman said. “Head coach Jamie Joseph was able to manage the situation and the case was shared and settled among the team members and staff.”