A former Wallabies star has faced court over allegations he repeatedly threatened to kill a man over a supposed land deal in Samoa.
Digby Ioane, 40, allegedly became “obsessed” with the man, and threatened to kill him between April 22 and April 26.
Ioane represented himself in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon, where he applied for bail.
Ioane told Magistrate Anne Thacker his mother owned significant land in Samoa, and the case related to a “massive deal” he had concerns about.
“[The man] has agreed with the Prime Minister of Samoa to agree on a $100 million [deal] with Israel to bring over their army,” he said.
“For me, my mum is the rightful queen of Samoa, I’m just protecting her land.”
Ioane’s older brother, Sala, spoke on behalf of Ioane.
He said he had wanted Ioane to be checked for mental health concerns, especially for head knocks sustained over his career, but this had not happened.
Magistrate Thacker said the prosecution had opposed Ioane’s bail, fearing he would not behave appropriately if released.
His brother responded: “To be honest, your honour, this kid won’t even kill a fly.”
“I grew up with him … I’ve travelled to France to look after him in his career, and … at the time when this was happening, it’s called mental health to me.
“He was just upset at the time, and he said some things at the time, and I had warned him.”
The court heard Ioane had been in hospital, but had since been discharged.
“He was just saying it out of anger. Believe me, on the field he’s a warrior, but in person he’s not that sort of person,” his brother told the court.
In handing down her decision, Thacker said the evidence against Ioane appeared to be far too serious to take the risk in releasing him.
“You became obsessed with this person and the evidence from the complainant is that you’ve been threatening to kill him over and over and over again,” she said.
“Until some better information about you is discovered, or you are on medication, you’re an unacceptable risk of reoffending, and it’s unsafe for the alleged victim.
“So you’ll have to stay in custody, but get on some medication as soon as you can, that might make a difference.”
Ioane’s case was adjourned to June 8.
Ioane played 35 Test matches for the Wallabies between 2007 and 2013, and then signed a two-year deal worth $1.2 million a year with Stade Francais for the 2013-14 season.
Ioane, of Samoan heritage, was born in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne at two years old, before moving to Brisbane where he attended St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace.
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Cloe Read is the crime and court reporter at Brisbane Times.Connect via X or email.
