Scott Higginbotham has been arrested overnight in Brisbane and charged with one count of assaulting police, and one count of being found in a police establishment without a lawful excuse.
A police source said that a friend of Higginbotham’s had drawn police attention, before Higginbotham attempted to intervene.
“He has tried to play peacemaker after his mate mouthed off and it got out of hand,” the source reportedly said.
The Queensland police service confirmed the charges on Sunday evening. Higginbotham is now due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 21.
The ARU released a statement confirming Higginbotham had been arrested on Sunday. Their integrity unit will now conduct and investigation into the matter.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is investigating an incident involving Queensland Reds player, Scott Higginbotham in Brisbane on Saturday night.
ARU CEO, Bill Pulver said: “The Queensland Rugby Union has today referred a matter to the ARU integrity unit concerning an incident involving Reds player, Scott Higginbotham in Brisbane last night.
“The ARU integrity unit has subsequently launched an investigation into the incident today.
“As the matter is currently with Queensland Police, no further comment will be made at this time.”
30-year-old Higginbotham has played 32 Test for Australia as a member of the Wallabies, and also made more than a hundred appearances in the Super Rugby competition with the Reds and the Rebels.
After being absent in the competition in 2016 to play with the NEC Green Rockets in Japan, he signed with the Reds to make a return in 2017.
“I’ve been a big fan of ‘Higgers’ for a while, actually tried to recruit him out of school,” said Reds coach Nick Stiles when Higginbotham was recruited in October.
“It was good to get him in Brisbane City last year.
“He got to see how I operate as a coach and the environment that we’ve created there and he really enjoyed it and Queensland is home to him.
“He’s still very passionate about being in the reds, he wants to come back and he wants to play for the Wallabies, so he’s extremely motivated.”
Higginbotham said in January that he has a goal of returning to Australia’s Test side in 2017.
“Who knows,” Higginbotham said. “You never say you’ve given it up.
“(But) like a lot of players – Liam Gill included, probably – you come to the understanding that it’s out of your hands.
“I’ll be playing football to the best of my ability and whatever happens from that happens. It’s not my choice in the end.”
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Thanks Jay Cheers KP
Markus
Guest
Yeah when "giving cheek" can be something as simple as having the audacity to expect a reason for being moved along or being forced to go with them, it is best to reserve judgement until any such charges actually stick in court.
puff
Guest
K Pete, mate you are missing the point, regardless of how major or minor the incident was, it’s not the issue. True, I’ve never experienced the dark side of the force but I would like to think. In such situations the smart card is humility as any display of arrogance never delivers a happy ending. Agree, some elements of authority enjoy confrontation and defiance but there is little mileage in being the dick.
Joe Blow
Guest
Maybe his time in Japan has stiffened up his "in tight" game? Storm in a teacup I reckon. Hope we see him on the paddock soon for the Reds.
Rebellion
Guest
If I were to name bad eggs I'd probably nominate Beale and O'Connor, however the way Hooper shamefully skewered Ewan McKenzie - especially as the team's Captain under those circumstances puts him in a league of his own. I don't blame Higginbotham for being frustrated - he'll always be passed over by Chiek for the viral Dean Mumm
nerval
Guest
I'm neither Matt nor your mate, Wazza, but I accept your apology.
Jay
Guest
I was walking past. It wasn't a police station but a beat, so super small area inside that could fit maybe 4 people. The cop yelling drew my attention and I could see Scott trying to get into the door through to the back of the place but two cops pushed him out of the main door yelling at him to stay out which is when he started pushing the 1 cop in the doorway back inside trying to force his way back in. Scott didn't actually say one word the whole time I was there from being pushed out to being arrested though. Jay
Rick Diznek
Guest
How is Bees Roux going?
Woodsman
Guest
I giggled.
RobC
Roar Guru
Well, thats not good. But Higgers always seemed like a responsible person, a good Captain with a fairly good history. It looked like the situation escalated unexpectedly in the worst possible place. So I hope they consider these things.
RobC
Roar Guru
too funny. But wait there's a few more weeks before start. Who / what else?
Jay
Guest
I said he pushed him back in 3 times. He was able to push him backwards.
Jay
Guest
Didn't know who it was at the time and was trying to look after a drunk friend as well. I wish i recorded it :(
Wazza
Guest
Matt i told you im sorry if i have offeneded you.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
give me a red blooded rugby captain any day, just one intelligent enough not to annoy the ref
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
puff so you see your best friend or your mother ill and unreasonable treated by the police you enter the police station with him/her to ensure a witness is present the police tell you to get the hell out of the public reception of a police station you go, but linger in the door, a bit confused if the police have the right to demand you leave the station, and your friend or mother (whom you are concerned has had too many, and may get out of hand if you are not present) and you say "yes officer, anything you say sir/madam" believe me, until you have experienced how DUMB a MINORITY of police are, you would not believe it it's not just D-Hs that get mistreated, it can be you KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
ie "threatening" = "giving cheek" &/or = "not cow-towing to wrong-doing by authority" depending on your angle... :-) KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Bakkies - see my experience above of exactly the same style of allegation. Maybe my 'bush lawyer' dress at 5 foot 9 was more threatening tp police that 'pro rugby player' well over 6 feet...
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Jay Were you inside the police station and Scot was entering a room off limits to the public? Of were you walking past the police station? I find it hard to believe, that you or Scot or me has no right to enter a police station - even one in QLD. I would totally understand Scot's frustration, if (before you came by?) the police had told Scot to leave the station (without his friend) and all he was insisting upon, was his right to remain and wait for his friend, within the reception of the police station. Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Riddler That assumes ego not indignation was driving Scott. In absence of the magistrate from a court room, one of 3 police officers said about me 'we'll charge you with intimidating a police officer'. The reason: my relaxed but firm articulation, of why the police were wasting the court's (and my) time. They later withdrew their case. So be aware: police are happy to charge you for 'crimes' committed inside the halls of 'justice' - not just 'crimes' inside police stations. Cheers KP