Rugby Canada removes B.C. player amid carjacking probe

A B.C. rugby player has been removed from the Pacific Pride Academy Program amid an ongoing carjacking investigation on Vancouver Island that left a cab driver seriously hurt.

Rugby Canada says it has “become aware” of the incident “through a video and story.”

The incident, according to the West Shore RCMP, happened on April 15 in the Colwood community.

Mounties say they received reports of a “violent assault and carjacking of a taxicab” in the city just after midnight.

Nineteen-year-old Sione Fine has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault, assaulting a police officer, mischief to property under $5,000, and theft of a motor vehicle.

The RCMP shared video of the incident. In one piece of dashcam footage, a shirtless man is seen jumping out in front of the vehicle that captured the video, slamming onto the hood and windshield of the car. The person is then seen falling to the ground, before getting up and running toward the driver’s side.

“The taxi driver sustained significant injuries and was taken to hospital,” said Corp. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP media relations officer.

“Carjackings like this are rare, as the suspect has been identified and arrested we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.”

Footage shared by police shows a white car passing by the incident. Investigators are hoping to speak with the people in that vehicle or anyone else who may have witnessed what happened.

Meanwhile, Rugby Canada says it was “made aware on April 18 of an earlier incident involving several Pacific Pride players gathered at a private residence.” It adds, initially, four players were suspended “in the face of incomplete information,” to give the organization time to investigate further.

“We were unaware of any criminal charges until today. We pledge our full cooperation with law enforcement,” a statement posted May 4 reads.

“Given what we have learned today, Sione Fine has been released from the Pacific Pride Academy and any Rugby Canada activities. We now consider this a matter for the justice system. Two players remain suspended as they proceed through due process as per our discipline and complaints policy.”

The West Shore RCMP is asking anyone with information or the occupants of the white vehicle seen in the videos to contact investigators at 250-474-2264.