Shannon Frizell's diversion over an assault charge won't hold any bearing over his future with the All Blacks, coach Ian Foster outlined.
The 27-year-old appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Tuesday facing two charges of male assaults female and one of common assault.
He was offered diversion after his lawyer pointed out he was a first-time offender.
As a result, Frizell has been handed a two-game suspension by New Zealand Rugby, ruling him out of the All Blacks' first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia at Eden Park on August 7.
The second suspended game has been backdated to the Highlanders' Super Rugby Trans-Tasman match against the Reds on May 14.
Speaking to media on Thursday, All Blacks coach Foster made it clear that the door is by no means shut on Frizell's future in the black jersey, and that the 15-test loose forward is being supported through the process.
"It's been a tough time for him personally," Foster says.
"He's gone through a process, both with the courts and New Zealand. They've come up with a conclusion that, as far as we're concerned, he's shown a good attitude as [to] how he's dealt with that.
"I know he's incredibly remorseful for that, and it's not something that any of us want.
"We're just going to keep working with him, and support him. He's still a family member for us.
Frizell is alleged to have slapped a woman, before later punching her in the face, breaking her tooth and splitting her lip, according to the Otago Daily Times.
The victim's mother hit out at Frizell getting diversion, saying the All Black had "walked away with nothing more than a slap on the hand".
"It's more about the lack of consideration he's shown and the dilution of what he really did.
"[My daughter] is coping good on the outside, but clearly unhappy with all the hidden truths."
Frizell will next appear in court in September, and has been ordered to not consume alcohol or contact his victim until then.
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