Queensland Reds drop winger Ioane over pub incident

SYDNEY (AFP) –

Wallaby winger Digby Ioane is pictured during an International rugby union test match in England on November 17, 2012. The Queensland Rugby Union on Monday dropped Ioane from this weekend’s Super 15 match against Western Force following an incident at a pub in Melbourne.

Queensland Rugby Union Monday dropped Wallaby winger Digby Ioane from this weekend’s Super 15 match against Western Force following an incident at a pub in Melbourne.

Police in Victoria state said they were investigating an alleged assault of a 30-year-old man who sustained a minor leg injury on Saturday night, with Ioane interviewed.

The QRU had a meeting with the player Monday and both parties agreed that Ioane had failed to demonstrate the necessary behaviour expected of a senior player within the Reds squad, officials said in a team statement.

“Digby has taken responsibility for his actions and is cognisant of the high standards and organisational values expected of each member of the Reds squad both on and off the field,” it said.

The QRU made clear the decision was related directly to the expectations on Ioane as a senior team member, and not as an outcome of the police enquiries.

“Digby will continue to train with the Reds and will be available for selection next week in the team’s round six Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Brisbane,” the QRU said.

The alleged weekend incident happened the night after the Reds beat the Rebels in Melbourne.