Queensland Reds recruit Scott Higginbotham is free to play in Tuesday night’s final pre-season trial after the Australian Rugby Union completed their investigation into his arrest.
Higginbotham will face court on February 21 over an incident in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley precinct, charged with assaulting a police officer and being found in a police establishment without a lawful excuse.
An ARU spokesperson said after assessing preliminary findings they were happy to allow him to return to the Reds’ fold, paving the way for the 30-year-old to feature against the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore.
“After finalising our initial investigation the ARU is comfortable to allow Scott Higginbotham to resume his training and playing commitments with the Reds, until such time as the police matter is resolved,” the spokesperson said.
“Scott has cooperated with the investigation and has been reminded of how seriously the ARU takes off-field behaviour.
“There is a police matter which is ongoing and no determination on any sanctions will be made until that reaches a conclusion.”
Higginbotham, a former captain of the Melbourne Rebels, was reportedly trying to play “peacemaker” with police at the Brunswick St beat after one of his friends was arrested for public urination.
A taser was pulled out, but not used against Higginbotham, who was later slammed by coach Nick Stiles for his poor behaviour.
Higginbotham had only just resumed training with the Reds after completing two seasons in the Japanese Top League.
taylorman
Roar Guru
don't know what you're on about sorry. The egging of someone charged with assaulting a Police officer is interesting that's all. Will be interesting to see what his onfield discipline will be like, for example, when he goes to support a team mate.
Rebellion
Guest
Can anyone verify if the cops were kiwis Taylorman? Could be a motive as kiwis were responsible for most of the coward-punch fatal attacks on Australians in Australia during 2016... Anymore provocative comments you feel like dishing up????
DOUBLES
Guest
Rip in Higgers !!
taylorman
Guest
Great to see they found the broom. Beat up some more professionals just trying to make an honest living Higgers :-). Its ok to beat up cops but advise the media in an untimely manner...gosh...to the stocks for you Hansen!
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
The things you do when handicapped with an overload of alcohol. I know the do gooders will be up in arms about all of this; screeching about responsibility etc and that Higgy is 30 years old. Well let me tell you I was still going at it well after 30 and had my last altercation at 48+ so some of us take a wee time to settle down. I've raised two great boys that don't get into trouble and have never had any bother. So it just takes time for some of us to adjust. It shouldn't have happened but when you want to protect your mate, reasoning goes out the window. He should be fined for his behaviour and that should be that. Lets get on with more important issue like playing for the REDs and winning the comp.
Boz the Younger
Guest
Go hard you angry ranga!
mania
Guest
good luck higgers. welcome back
Joe Blow
Guest
Storm in a teacup. Get in there Higgers!