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Former All Black Steven Bachop in 2002 - Source: Photosport -
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Ex-All Black Stephen Bachop has been named as the former player accused of assaulting his partner on the night of the World Cup final.
Bachop, 44, faces a charge of assault on a female, common assault, resisting police, possession of cannabis and possession of drug utensils. Bachop was remanded by a Wellington District Court registrar to February for a status hearing after pleading not guilty.
He had intended to ask for police diversion. He had been arrested on Victoria St after celebrating the All Blacks' win over France in October.
Bachop put out a statement through his lawyer saying he no longer wished to pursue name suppression. He wanted to prevent potential negative impact on other former All Blacks.
He said he had originally sought name suppression to give himself and his partner time to speak to their children, family and employers.
He declined to comment further.