FORMER Nadroga centre Aporosa Tabulawaki is in the centre of an investigation by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) whether South Canterbury has breached Heartland rules over player eligibility.
According to Timaru Herald, the NZRU was "looking into potential breaches and the Herald understands it centres on when exactly Fijian wing Tabulawaki arrived in New Zealand.
"Tabulawaki is a handy enough player but not indispensable, meaning there were ways around what appears to be an administrative error," the report said.
"The Herald understands the union also hurriedly checked a number of the other Pacific Island born players' passports late last week. The report also said if found guilty the South Canterbury team, in which Tabulawaki plays, look set to lose at least 10 competition points.
This would potentially put them out of contention for the title.
The Herald also reported Fijian Joeli Kotobalavu, who also plays for South Canterbury, appearing in the Timaru District Court tomorrow facing an assault charge.