Frizell appeared in court in Dunedin today on assault charges relating to an incident in May this year and has been offered diversion, which was supported by Police.
While NZR misconduct proceedings are confidential employment matters, NZR together with Frizell's representatives have agreed to some details being released, in the interests of transparency.
NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby & Performance, Chris Lendrum, said as an outcome of the hearing, Frizell was suspended for two matches. Frizell was stood down for the Highlanders' game against the Reds after the incident and this was taken into account as one of the matches. He will also not be available for selection for the All Blacks first Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on 7 August.
"We are disappointed at this incident and the subsequent assault charges for Shannon. Given the seriousness of this incident, we felt that a two-match stand down was warranted."
Lendrum said Frizell had accepted responsibility for his actions.
"Shannon has shown remorse and regret and we believe he is genuinely committed to ensuring this sort of incident doesn't happen again. We are supporting him with ongoing counselling."
"We appreciate that this is a difficult time for the people affected by his actions. Shannon has apologised and we offer our support to them also."
As part of the misconduct process, all parties have agreed that no further comment on this matter will be made.
ENDS
Frizell apologised after appearing in court on Tuesday charged with three accounts of assault during an incident at a Dunedin nightclub in May.
All Black Shannon Frizell Photo: PHOTOSPORT/ Andrew Cornaga
All Black Shannon Frizell has apologised after appearing in court on Tuesday charged with three accounts of assault during an incident at a Dunedin nightclub in May.
The 27-year-old loose forward was accused of two offences of assaulting a woman and one charge of common assault at an appearance in Dunedin District Court.
Frizell did not enter a plea during the hearing and was offered a diversion by the judge as a first time offender before issuing a statement outside the court house.
A diversion allows first time offenders to work with the police to take responsibility for the offence without acquiring a criminal record.
"I would like to take this opportunity to say how very sorry I am for my behaviour during incident in May this year," Frizell said.
"I would especially like to say sorry to the two people involved and for the harm I have caused.
"I let myself and others down and will now try to do everything I can to restore people's faith in me.
"I have already put a plan in place with counsellors to help me address the areas I want to work on.
"Once again, I'd like to apologise to the people involved, my friends, family and the wider community."
Frizell was granted bail and ordered not to consume alcohol or contact either victim until his next appearance in September.
Frizell featured in the All Blacks' July tests against Fiji and was named in their squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup against Australia and the following Rugby Championship.
- Reuters
