AUSTRALIAN rugby sevens captain James Stannard has fractured his skull after being allegedly punched by a British man outside a kebab shop early Friday morning.
Stannard is conscious and has escaped major injury, having been floored on Coogee Bay Road outside a kebab shop in the early hours of this morning.
The 35-year-old was struck by a man in an unprovoked attack after reportedly having a “nice conversation” with him at around 3.10am. Stannard had earlier attended a farewell dinner for departing coach Andy Friend, who along with teammates Lewis Holland and Ben O’Donnell chased down the 22-year-old Brit after he tried to flee.
Squad members, team management and family members of the players were present at the dinner and throughout the night.
The veteran playmaker remains in a stable condition in St Vincents Hospital, with his participation in next month’s Commonwealth Games in grave doubt. Police say Stannard was standing outside the kebab shop when he was punched in an alleged unprovoked assault, causing him to fall and strike his head on the pavement.
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Inspector Steve Egbers says the two men were “seemingly having a nice conversation” at the time.
“When he (Stannard) fell to the ground he’s done some damage to the side of his head,” Insp Egbers told reporters in Maroubra.
Insp Egbers said Stannard would remain in hospital for “a little while” under observation.
One of the most popular figures on the Australian sevens scene, 35-year-old Stannard was chosen to captain Australia at the coming Commonwealth Games recently.
Rugby Australia released a statement confirming they are working with NSW Police to investigate the incident.
“Rugby Australia is aware of an incident which has resulted in the hospitalisation of Australian Men’s Sevens player James Stannard in Sydney overnight,” the statement read.
“Rugby Australia is working with NSW Police to investigate the matter and will provide a further update later today.”
The teams were due to play again Friday, but the game was cancelled on Thursday due to a raft of New Zealand injuries with the players then given the day off. The accused was interviewed at Maroubra Police Station and has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
Bailed on strict conditions, he is expected to appear at Waverley Local Court on April 19.
— With AAP
