Racing 92’s Fijian winger Vinaya Habosi has been mandated to participate in a domestic violence awareness program following his recent arrest, according to a public prosecutor’s office near Paris.
Habosi was detained on Sunday and released the following day. Police intervened at his residence after a dispute arose between him and his wife, who were in the presence of their infant. Witnesses reported that the 24-year-old Habosi pushed and struck his wife, a claim confirmed by the victim to authorities at the time of the incident.
According to police sources, Habosi displayed “signs of drunkenness” during the altercation. The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre stated that he was ordered to attend a course aimed at raising awareness about preventing domestic violence and addressing sexist behavior. They also noted that legal actions could follow if Habosi fails to comply with the order.
On Saturday, Habosi came off the bench to play 10 minutes in Racing’s 33-20 victory over Clermont in the French Top 14. The team is set to face Bordeaux-Begles in the third round of the Top 14 season on Saturday.
Racing 92 head coach Stuart Lancaster commented on the situation, stating that the club is still investigating the matter and acknowledged the challenges it poses while focusing on the upcoming game.
In February 2023, Habosi was released by Fijian Drua for a “high-level breach of the club’s code of conduct.” Reports from Fiji indicated that his departure followed an assault complaint filed with local authorities. Later that month, he signed with Racing, located to the west of Paris. Habosi also participated in five matches for Fiji during last year’s Rugby World Cup, starting on the wing in the quarter-final against England.