Former Rugby Union player Ioakimo Mulipola, 41, charged with assaulting and kidnapping woman

A former international Rugby star allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a woman with a metal pole during a terrifying home invasion.

Former Rugby Union player Ioakimo Mulipola, 41, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with kidnapping and assaulting a woman. Picture: Facebook.

A former Rugby Union winger allegedly invaded a woman’s home before assaulting her with a metal pole during a terrifying kidnapping.

Ioakimo Mulipola, 41, of Derriumt faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with invading the woman’s home in September last year in the Melton area before attacking her with a metal pole and holding her against her will.

Former Rugby Union player Ioakimo Mulipola outside Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Athos Sirianos.

Mr Mulipola was also charged with robbing $300 from the woman and driving disqualified.

The court heard Mr Mulipola’s lawyers were in negotiations with the crown over the allegations before the court.

Mr Mulipola, who is on bail, was currently undergoing alcohol and drug counselling, and was attending the men’s behaviour change program, the court heard.

The court heard Mr Mulipola was attempting to address his issues with alcohol and return to a semblance of his fitness during his glory days playing rugby.

Mr Mulipola played professionally in the New Zealand Rugby Union League from 2003 to 2011 for the Tasman Makos, Otago, and the Highlanders.

He also represented Samoa in the International Rugby Union, playing against France in 2009.

Mr Mulipola will return to court in February.