Alleged assault shocks junior rugby community
A father and son have made their first appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court following allegations they assaulted match officials during an under-14s junior rugby union grand final. The incident, which occurred in September, has sent shockwaves through Canberra's sporting community.
Court appearance reveals details
Fagalima Faumui, 42, and his 18-year-old son Daniel Fagalimafaumui briefly faced court on Monday, November 24, 2025. The pair, both from Fairfield NSW, are charged with common assault and have been granted time to seek legal advice before entering pleas.
During the court proceedings, observers noted the 42-year-old father appeared to be sleeping while waiting for his matter to be called. The case has been adjourned and is set to return to court early next year.
Violent incident at junior tournament
Police allege the disturbing events unfolded on September 21, 2025 during the Canberra Junior Rugby 7s tournament at Southwell Park in Lyneham. According to court documents, the father and son entered the playing field and assaulted match officials following the under-14s grand final.
Officers claim the 18-year-old son first assaulted one referee before his father allegedly delivered what police described as a coward punch from behind to another official. The second referee was reportedly knocked unconscious and required hospital transport by paramedics.
Police arrested the younger man as he attempted to leave the scene, while the father was taken into custody when he later attended City Police Station.
Community responds to unacceptable behaviour
The Uni-Norths Owls Junior Rugby Union Club, which runs the tournament, swiftly condemned the incident in a social media statement. The club expressed wishes for the referees and volunteers involved to experience a full and swift recovery from what they described as an unacceptable incident.
In their statement, the club emphasized: Uni-Norths JRUC condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Violence of any kind has no place in rugby or in our community. They further highlighted their deep respect for volunteer referees who make junior sports possible.
The case continues to develop as both men prepare to return to court in the new year to answer the assault charges.
