Australian rugby star Taniela Tupou slashed in arm after being robbed of his phone

AUSTRALIA rugby star Taniela Tupou was slashed in the arm after he was the victim of a mobile phone mugging.

Thankfully the 23-year-old prop didn’t suffer more serious injuries from the shocking incident in Johannesburg.

Tupou had been out for a planned dinner with team mates.

Speaking to to the Australian Rugby website, Tupou said: “Last night went out for dinner with the front rowers, it was just outside the hotel.

“And I went back, someone came from behind and took my phone.

“I thought it was one of the boys so I looked back and he was wearing a hoodie and ran with my phone.

“I tried to chase after him, he got in the car and I got a bit of a cut but I’m fine.

“The only thing is I lost my phone but I can live with that.”

Police took statements from Tupou and team mates who witnessed the incident but no arrests have been made.

Australia will open their shortened Rugby Championship campaign against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday.