Api Pewhairangi handed trial with London Broncos
Thursday 12 May 2016 10:10, UK
London Broncos are to give a four-week trial to former Parramatta and New Zealand Warriors stand off Api Pewhairangi, who played for Ireland in the 2013 World Cup.
The 24-year-old New Zealand-born player joins the Kingstone Press Championship club from Pro 12 rugby union side Connacht."We're very pleased to welcome Api to our squad and it's great to see him back in rugby league," said Broncos coach Andrew Henderson.
"Api is a skilful player and will offer some utility value in the backs. He's come through some good systems and we're excited to find out what he'll bring to the squad."
Meanwhile, the Broncos have imposed an internal suspension on academy player Josh Raqio after he was found guilty of using offensive language during a match against Catalans Dragons.
Raqio was sent off for the offence and subsequently charged by the Rugby Football League with a grade F offence of unacceptable behaviour, which carries a ban of at least eight matches.
However, the RFL disciplinary tribunal downgraded the charge to E and imposed a three-match ban instead of four because the player had already missed one game as part of the club's internal disciplinary action.
"Raqio has been suspended internally by the club, who do not condone the behaviour of the player," said a London Broncos spokesman. "Raqio has apologised for his actions and will ensure no further incidents occur."
The London club told the hearing they accepted that a homophobic term was used by their player, who was subject to severe provocation as his testicles were grabbed by the opposing player. They said Raqio had shown remorse and after the game shook hands with his opponent.
