Rugby player allegedly bashed and robbed in Melbourne’s CBD

A talented rugby player was abandoned in a dirty gutter after he was allegedly beaten and robbed by a group of thugs in Melbourne’s CBD.

Matia Vibote plays for Harlequin Rugby Club. Picture: Supplied

A star rugby player was abandoned in a dirty gutter after he was allegedly bashed and robbed by a group of thugs in Melbourne.

Matia Vibote was in the CBD on Saturday night when four men allegedly attacked him and stole his wallet, shirt and shoes.

Mr Vibote was found in a gutter before he was rushed to hospital with significant injuries to his face and body.

It’s understood that he will undergo plastic surgery due to the severity of his injuries.

Matia suffered from body and facial injuries. Picture: Supplied

Mr Vibote is an award-winning rugby player who has played for the Harlequin Rugby Club for the past eight years.

President Brock Parker said the club was shocked to hear about the alleged attack.

“Matia is not a small bloke and is a very imposing strong man, so for him to get (allegedly) bashed was a major surprise as he could no doubt look after himself in a scrap,” he said.

“To hear he was left in the gutter (allegedly) bashed with just his jeans on after they took his possessions including his shirt and shoes was a horrible thought.

“How cowardly the group must have been.”

Mr Parker said he hadn’t personally spoken to Mr Vibote due to the extent of his facial injuries but he had planned to visit him in hospital this weekend.

He said Mr Vibote was a well-respected member of the Malvern East club and all his teammates wished him well.

A GoFundMe page that was created on Wednesday has raised more than $7000 to help Mr Vibote in his road to recovery.

The fundraising page stated that the four offenders were arrested over the alleged incident.