Vinaya Habosi, the Racing 92 winger from Fiji, has reportedly been arrested following a violent incident involving his partner. The arrest took place on Sunday evening at his residence in Plessis-Robinson, Hauts-de-Seine, after a confrontation allegedly fueled by alcohol.
Witnesses informed a French publication that a dispute escalated between Habosi and his wife, during which he reportedly shoved her while she was holding their baby. After his wife fell, it is claimed that Habosi began to strike her on the back of the head. Fortunately, the child was unharmed in the incident, and Habosi’s partner declined assistance from emergency services and exhibited no visible injuries.
Sources mentioned that Habosi appeared to be inebriated at the time and denied having pushed or assaulted his wife. He had played in the previous day’s match, contributing to Racing 92’s 33-20 win over Clermont in the second round of the Top 14.
Racing 92 has issued a brief statement acknowledging the allegations against Habosi, stating, “Racing 92 has taken note of the facts alleged against its player Vinaya Habosi. Pending further information from the competent authorities, Racing 92 will refrain from any further comment.”
This incident is not Habosi’s first encounter with allegations of domestic violence. He joined Racing 92 earlier than expected last year after his contract with the Fijian Drua was cut short due to a prior assault complaint made at the Namaka Police Station in February, which led the Drua to terminate his contract before the start of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.