Images showing the facial injuries a Rebels player allegedly suffered at the hands of his team-mate in South Dunedin at the weekend have emerged.
The images obtained by Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph, show Lopeti Timani with black eyes.
It comes after he and his alleged attacker Amanaki Mafi were fined $15,000 each for their physical altercation in Dunedin last weekend.
Sydney Morning Herald said they understood the pair were drinking at a South Dunedin house when Mafi allegedly attacked Timani.
It reported he was treated in hospital, but not admitted for a longer stay.
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph newspaper featured an image of Timani on the front of their sport section today under the headline 'Super Thugby'.
Japan international Mafi was charged with a criminal offence, after the alleged assault of 12-time capped Wallaby Timani following the Rebels' season-ending defeat by the Highlanders the day before.
Mafi was arrested on Sunday following the incident and detained in custody until appearing in Dunedin District Court on Monday.
He was charged with injuring with intent to injure.
Mafi entered no plea and was released on bail first to a central Dunedin hotel, then to a Melbourne address before he will live in a Japan apartment for three months.
While in Dunedin, Mafi must be in the presence of Rebels' management.
His case has been adjourned till August 3, but he won't be required to attend in person.
He has been barred from contacting the team-mate he allegedly assaulted.
A police spokeswoman told the Otago Daily Times at the weekend the charges stemmed from an episode in South Dunedin on Saturday night. T
The Rebels have sanctioned them for breaching team protocols and team management instructions.
Under the Rebels' disciplinary protocol, each player has been fined the maximum amount.
"Notwithstanding that both Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani were finishing at the Rebels this season and heading overseas to continue their playing careers, it is only appropriate, given the seriousness of the incident, to sanction both players with a significant fine," Melbourne Rebels Chief Executive Officer, Baden Stephenson said.
"Along with the Rebels board, head coach David Wessels and club management, we have strived this year to rebuild a culture which values respect and excellence in everything we do.
"The actions of these two players is totally contrary to our club's values and has tarnished the excellent work of so many in the club, both on and off the field this season.
"I only hope that both Amanaki and Lopeti genuinely reflect on and learn from this very troubling incident.
"The club has supported both players over recent days and will continue to ensure their wellbeing now and into the future."
Rugby Australia is conducting its own investigation into the incident.
It will await the outcome of the current criminal process under way in New Zealand with Mafi, before deciding on further possible action under the professional player code of conduct.
The $30,000 in fines will be donated to the Rugby Victoria Quilt programme - an education and participation program designed to use rugby as the vehicle to prevent domestic violence.
With AAP
