Waikato winger Sevu Reece has been picked up by the Crusaders for the Super Rugby pre-season, which begins early next year.
The 21-year-old starred for the Mooloo in the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup, but blotted his record, when he was involved in a domestic violence incident.
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Reece was discharged without conviction, but Waikato stood him down for the Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago - a match Waikato lost.
In October, Irish club Connacht cancelled Reece's impending contract because of the incident.
Reece was undrafted by Super Rugby teams last month, but he has been given a chance to impress the two-time defending champions on a pre-season contract.
Crusaders assistant coach, Brad Mooar told Newshub they are confident Reece is on the right track to redemption.
"We are aware of what has happened in the last 10-12 months with Sevu - we have discussed that with him," Mooar said.
"He is here as a replacement player at the moment through to the end of the pre-season games so it's a great opportunity for him to show is what he is all about. If there is more opportunity after that then he would become a prime candidate for that.
"He has done a lot of work around the incident - he has been totally honest about that and he is working really hard on that side of things.
"He is a good young man, 21, who has made an error but is looking to make amends.
"It's a serious mistake but at the same time we can see the genuine remorse and his acceptance that he had done wrong and is looking to become a better man."
Reece's girlfriend as left with injuries, but the former Hamilton Boys' High School student was only fined by courts.
Newshub.
