All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has defended the selection of Crusaders wing Sevu Reece, coming a year after he was given a discharge without conviction for an incident involving his girlfriend.
The 22‑year‑old saw his impending deal with Irish club Connacht terminated due to a domestic violence incident last July.
He was discharged without conviction, fined $750 and stood down for one Mitre 10 Cup match for Waikato and while the Chiefs did not offer him a contract, he was handed a lifeline by the Crusaders.
He took his second chance, being named as one of four debutants in Hansen's first squad of 2019 after topping the Super Rugby scoring charts.
Hansen says the issue had been raised with the Crusaders and that has all been dealt with, both in the court and by the rugby union.
Hansen says they have had conversations with the Crusader people that have been managing him and everyone is giving him a massive tick.
He adds Reece has given himself one on the track, as well as off it at the moment.
Hansen says whilst you have to put it in consideration, it has been dealt with and you have to move on, and Reece is playing good football.
Hansen adds he does not think there is one New Zealander who would not have picked him in the team. He says you have to do your due diligence, and they have done that and they are happy.
Reece will start for the Crusaders when they take on the Jaguares in the Super Rugby final at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source : TV NZ
