Terminated.

Connacht have decided not to proceed with the contract offered to Mitre 10 Cup star Sevu Reece following his recent court appearance for domestic abuse charges.

The talented winger was due to join the western province next month once the Mitre 10 Cup is over, and has been in excellent form – topping the try-scoring charts in the New Zealand competition.

A report in the Otago Daily Times this week stated that on July 1st while out drinking, Reece grabbed his girlfriend to the ground following an argument. She ended up with injuries to her upper face, bruising to the left side of her waist and left knee. Reece was then stopped by a nearby doorman who intervened.

During the court proceedings, a letter from the head of operations for Connacht rugby informed the judge that a conviction would mean his contract would be withdrawn.

Judge Clark said that because a conviction would have ended the Fijian-born player’s Irish contract – that would have been out of all proportion to the gravity of the offending. Reece also admitted having an alcohol problem.

“It does appear to me the victim has forgiven you. You have acknowledged you have a problem with alcohol and have been sober for three months.” Judge Clark said.

But despite Reece not being convicted – the contract offer has been withdrawn by Connacht and the IRFU anyway. Both bodies have said they will make no further comment.