Melbourne Rebels' Amanaki Mafi taken to police custody after altercation with team-mate

Melbourne Rebels number eight Amanaki Mafi has been taken into police custody following an altercation with his club team-mate Lopeti Timani.

The incident happened following their recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium that ended their hopes of making to the play-offs. The game also saw Mafi scoring his first try for Rebels.

A joint statement issued by Rugby Australia and Melbourne Rebels confirmed the news on Sunday.

"Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels are aware of an incident involving Rebels players Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani in Dunedin overnight," read the statement.

"Both players remain in New Zealand with Mafi currently in police custody following an altercation between the two players."

Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson expressed disappointment on the news and assured that further action will be taken based on the results from the police investigation.

"I am bitterly disappointed that an incident has occurred at the end of a season where we have taken pride in our on and off-field behaviour," he said.

"We will respect the process and won't be making further comments until all investigations have taken place."