Wallabies Star Attacked, Injured & Robbed In South Africa
Jason Hennessy
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Snatched.
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has been attacked outside the team’s hotel in South Africa as they get set to take on the Springboks in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.
A Wallabies spokesperson confirmed Tupou was the victim of a “snatch and run” less than 50 metres from where the team is staying in central Sandton, just outside of Johannesburg.
The Queensland Reds prop was coming back from a team dinner at a nearby restaurant with eight players when the incident occurred at 9.15pm local time on Saturday. He suffered minor cuts to his arm as he tried to chase down the culprit.
“I was at dinner with the front rowers, it was just outside our hotel,” Tupou said.
“On our way back someone just came from behind and took my phone. I thought it was one of the boys so I looked back and he was wearing a hoodie and ran with my phone.
“I tried to chase after him and he got in the car and I got some cuts but I’m fine. I lost my phone but I can live with that.”
Police took statements from all the players who witnessed the incident. They believe the attack was part of a series of attacks on the same night. Tupou has since been treated for his cuts and is being monitored by Wallabies staff.
