A former national rugby player appeared before Magistrate Vani Ravono today charged with assaulting his wife in November, last year.

Iveri Lavo was issued a bench warrant against him for not being present in court last week.

However, Ravono told him that attending court cases was important than going to the Darwin Sevens.

Lavo was remanded in the cell block for an hour before he was called back to court.

Today he was released on bail to appear before the Chief Magistrate Naomi Matanitobua next Monday.