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Wellington Rugby to continue support for Losi Filipo

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Sep 2016, 6:06AM
Wellington Rugby says it will continue to support the rehabilitation of Losi Filipo, despite the termination of his playing contract (Getty Images)

Wellington Rugby to continue support for Losi Filipo

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Sep 2016, 6:06AM

Wellington Rugby says it will continue to support the rehabilitation of Losi Filipo, despite the termination of his playing contract.

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The Under-19s player has opted to end his professional career with Wellington Rugby, following public outcry over his discharge without conviction on assault charges.

Wellington Rugby Chief Executive Steve Rogers said they're not condoning his actions, but will continue to support him as he moves forward from his mistake.

"We have a dedicated resource that's looking after the off-field activities of our rugby players. So we're still going to make sure that that particular piece is avaialble for Losi. Ultimately we've got a person here - an 18 year old."

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Steve Rogers said they're also reaching out to victim Greg Morgan, who can no longer play rugby following the assault, to see if he wants off-field involvement with Wellington Rugby.

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In a statement, the Wellington Lions said Filipo hopes the termination of the contract will go some way toward helping the victims of his assault move on with their lives.

"The 18-year-old has always recognised that his actions caused hurt and complications for the victims of the assault, and hopes that the termination of his playing contract will go some way towards demonstrating his remorse and personal accountability for the situation," the organisation said in a statement.

"With support from his representative and the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association Filipo approached Wellington Rugby this afternoon seeking a release from his playing contract and, after discussions the parties agreed that the termination of his contract was the best outcome for all parties."

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Filipo said in a statement he had made a "huge mistake".

“I understand why the victims of the assault do not want to talk to me and have not taken up an offer of restorative justice, but I would like to publicly apologies for my actions and the damage they caused...

“I will continue to access the personal development and support structures I have engaged with over the past year. Though I cannot change what happened I recognise that I have been provided with a second chance and I want to continue use this opportunity to work hard.

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