An All Black may be charged by police for his role in an assault that left a Dunedin man concussed and with facial injuries.
The charge could be the second to arise from an incident that resulted in Highlanders winger Lucky Mulipola being convicted of assault, sentenced to 180 hours' community service and ordered to pay $5000 emotional harm reparation to the victim.
The incident occurred outside Dunedin nightclub Bath St, about 5am on April 5.
Mulipola struck the victim with one punch to the side of the head.
The victim fell backwards on to the road, receiving cuts to his mouth and elbow, a loosened tooth and concussion.
Dunedin's police area commander, Inspector Dave Campbell, confirmed last night the possibility of a further person being charged was being investigated.
"The file is currently with our legal advisers to see whether charges should be [preferred] against any other person out of that incident."
During the court hearing it emerged an associate of Mulipola had berated the victim, a 33-year-old Dunedin man, for the style of clothing he was wearing.
John Farrow, the victim's lawyer, told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the victim was waiting to hear whether police would charge Mulipola's team-mate for his role in the incident.
"He has laid a complaint in respect to another party for an incident on that night," Mr Farrow said.
"It is currently being investigated by the police.
"I understand it has been referred to the Christchurch legal section for a decision on whether a charge will be laid."
Mr Farrow has advised the victim not to speak publicly, as anything he said could affect the court process if a charge was laid.
He hoped to know within a week if there would be a charge.
At Mulipola's sentencing, counsel David Robinson said the actions of the associate had "stirred up" the incident, had been a catalyst for what followed, and were significant.
There had been public criticism of the Highlanders' failure to perform earlier in the night.
