Suppression lifted on Blues player

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Rene Ranger suddenly centre of attention

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Blues back Rene Ranger has been named as the rugby player at the centre of an assault case in Northland.

Name suppression was lifted on Ranger today.

The 23-year-old allegedly assaulted a man outside a pub in Mangawhai, north of Auckland, last August.

He was arrested several weeks later and appeared in the Warkworth District Court in October, where he was charged with injuring with intent to injure and granted interim name suppression.

Ranger admitted his disappointment when he fronted the media after Blues training on Monday.

"I'm disappointed that I was involved in something and that it has got to this stage. It's not good for me or my family and it's not good on the team," he said.

"It's now in the court's hands. I have just got to get on with my job and do what is best for this team."

Blues coach Pat Lam said the franchise would support Ranger through this process.

"While it didn't happen in our season we have been well informed with what has been going on. We will let the court take its process," Lam said.

"We are totally behind Rene and it's important now, just like he has been doing since the season started, that he focuses on his job and what's best for him and the team."

Ranger starred for the Blues in the thrilling 39-35 win over the Brumbies at Eden Park last Friday night.

Ranger plays his club rugby for Wellsford and his provincial rugby for Northland.

He is a former New Zealand Sevens representative and last year made the Junior All Blacks squad.

- © Fairfax NZ News