B.C. rugby player removed from roster following violent carjacking, organization confirms

A rugby player has been removed from his program in B.C. after a violent carjacking was caught on video last month.

West Shore RCMP released two videos of the incident Thursday in hopes that witnesses will come forward.

Just after midnight on April 15, police responded to a call of a “violent assault” and carjacking of a taxi on Sooke Road in Colwood, west of Victoria.

Rugby Canada has confirmed Sione Fine from the Pacific Pride Academy Program.

In one of the videos, the shirtless suspect can be seen throwing himself in front of the moving taxi and smashing the front windshield.

In the other video, the suspect is seen opening the door of the taxi and throwing the driver to the side of the road.

The suspect, who police identified as a 19-year-old Colwood resident, was arrested and has been charged with assault, assaulting a police officer, mischief to property and theft of a motor vehicle.

Police did not name the suspect.

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However, in a statement to Global News, Rugby Canada said it has removed Fine from the Pacific Pride Academy Program and any Rugby Canada activities.

The organization said it was made aware on April 18 of an incident involving several Pacific Pride players gathered at a private home.

“In the face of incomplete information, we initially placed four players under suspension while we investigated further,” Rugby Canada said in the statement.

“We were unaware of any criminal charges until today. We pledge our full cooperation with law enforcement.”

Rugby Canada said two players remain suspended as they proceed through due process as per its discipline and complaints policy.

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West Shore RCMP Cpl. Nancy Saggar said the cab driver in the incident suffered “significant injuries.”

“(A) carjacking like this (is) rare, as the suspect has been identified and arrested. We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.”

Police are looking to speak with witnesses who saw the incident, including the driver of a white vehicle seen in the two videos police provided.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.