iN VIDEO: Rugby Canada sacks player accused of violent B.C. carjacking
Rugby Canada has cut ties with a player who’s the subject of a violent carjacking investigation on Vancouver Island.
A taxi was stolen shortly after midnight on April 15, according to a release from the West Shore RCMP.
Police release two videos of the incident. One was recorded from the dash of the taxi and shows a man jumping onto the hood and windshield while the taxi driver tries to avoid. However the man is struck, lands on the road, then gets up and walks toward the driver’s side door.
“The taxi driver sustained significant injuries and was taken to hospital,” Cpl. Nancy Saggar said in the release. “Carjackings like this are rare, as the suspect has been identified and arrested we do not believe there is any on going threat to the public.”
Police say an 18-year-old resident of Colwood was arrested and has been charged with assault causing bodily harm; assault; assaulting a police officer; mischief under $5,000; and theft of motor vehicle.
Court records show 18-year-old Sione Fine was charged with those same offences in Colwood on the same date.
Fine used to play rugby for the Pacific Pride Academy Program.
“We were made aware on April 18 of an earlier incident involving several Pacific Pride players gathered at a private residence,” according to a statement released by Rugby Canada on May 4. “In the face of incomplete information, we initially placed four players under suspension while we investigated further.”
When the criminal charges came to light, Fine was dumped from the team and Rugby Canada pledged its full cooperation with the authorities.
“We now consider this a matter for the justice system,” the statement says. “Two players remain suspended as they proceed through due process as per our discipline and complaints policy.”
Fine’s webpage has been removed from rugby.ca, however a copy of it can still be found on the Wayback Machine, which lists his hometown as Williams Lake.
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