Cape Town - Amanaki Mafi has been suspended by the Japan Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs until a verdict is reached in his assault case.
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Mafi faces charges of assault for attacking Rebels team-mate Lopeti Timani after the Melbourne side’s 43-37 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Timani is alleged to have made a derogatory comment about a member of Mafi’s family.
Both players were fined A$15 000 each.
Mafi is currently out on bail in Japan and was unable to attend Thursday’s hearing in Dunedin District Court.