The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed rookie Hunter Paisami has been formally charged by police following a late-night incident outside a Melbourne nightclub on Sunday morning (AEST).
Paisami and fellow rookie Pone Faamausili were suspended indefinitely earlier this week by the club after allegations of a brawl came to light on social media on Sunday night.
Rebels Chief Executive Baden Stephenson stated the club would be making no further comment on the matter now that the issue was subject to judicial proceedings.
"The Melbourne Rebels can confirm Club player Hunter Paisami has been formally charged and bailed to appear before a Magistrate on 20 September," Stephenson released through a statement. "With the matter now subject to a judicial process the club will not be commenting specifically on the case.
"Both Hunter and Pone Fa'amausili remain suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the club's internal investigation and in consultation with Rugby Australia, Rugby Victoria and the Rugby Union Players' Association.
"The board, management team and player leadership group are working together to address recent issues and provide a response that ultimately strengthens not only our Club, but also our communities and our code."
Paisami and Pone Faamausili were both accused of seriously injuring a man during a late-night brawl.They both admitted to their presence, and the Rebels stood them down until the conclusion of a police investigation.
Faamausili recently signed a new deal with the club that will see him at the club through to 2020, while Paisami has yet to make his Super Rugby debut.
The allegations came to light on Sunday via social media, when the alleged victim's sister accused the two players of delivering a "king hit" to the back of his head, causing him to lose consciousness and leaving him to bleed on the ground. However, there are believed to be conflicting accounts of the events.
The incident follows Rebels No.8 Amanaki Mafi's arrest in New Zealand last weekend that saw him charged with injuring with intent to injure teammate Lopeti Timani. Mafi was granted bail in Dunedin District Court with the case set to return to court on August 3.
Mafi and Timani were both fined $15,000 for the incident, while Mafi's Japan Top League club, NTT Shining Arcs, are requesting a please explain following the incident.