England rugby international Billy Vunipola has been arrested after a violent incident at a pub in Majorca.
The 31-year-old reportedly had to be Tasered twice after police rushed to a bar called Epic in the island capital Palma following calls from security staff.
Local reports said the sportsman, who was born in Australia to Tongan parents and moved to the UK with his family as a young child, had taken off his shirt and was threatening customers and employees with bottles and chairs.
The 6ft 2in tall professional, who weighs nearly 20 stone, is said to have been unaffected by the first Taser volt police used on him after clearing the bar so they could try to resolve the situation.
They overpowered him and handcuffed him after using a Taser for the second time.
Vunipola, a rugby-union fly-half for Saracens in Premiership Rugby, was taken to nearby Son Espases Hospital after being held where he had to be sedated and bound to his bed.
Until the medication took effect several security guards and police officers had to watch over him.
He was taken to court on Sunday, wearing the same blue T-shirt and beige shorts he was arrested in, following the early hours incident.
His whereabouts on Monday were unclear but he is understood to have been released on bail pending an ongoing investigation.
Police sources confirmed on Monday that Vunipola had been arrested after being Tasered.
He was held around 4.30am on Sunday morning.
The source said: “He was taken to hospital following his arrest before being handed over to the courts later in the day.”
Police are expected to make their first formal statement about the incident later on Monday.Court officials have not yet made any official comment. The bar where Vunipola was Tasered was closed early on Monday morning.
The rugby player spent his childhood in Wales and the south west of England after emigrating to the UK.
He won a scholarship to attend the prestigious Harrow School and whilst there, was picked by Wasps Academy where he made his senior debut aged 18.
He featured 30 times in two seasons before signing for current club Saracens.
He made his debut for England on the 2013 Summer Tour of Argentina. He has since amassed nearly 80 caps.
His father and uncle both played for Tonga. His cousin Taupe Faletau has been capped by Wales and British and Irish Lions.
The Standard has contacted Vunipola’s agent and Saracens for comment.
