Hong Kong rugby player denies molesting woman at bar, but admits vandalism

Faizal Solomona pleads guilty to damaging a door bolt at Central police station, but denies groping a woman at Bobby’s Rabble last year

A Hong Kong professional rugby player has denied molesting a patron at a bar, but admitted vandalising police property following his arrest last year.

Faizal Solomona Penesa, 33, on Monday pleaded guilty at Eastern Court to damaging a door bolt at Central police station while in custody on suspicion of groping a woman at Bobby’s Rabble on Wyndham Street on September 28, 2025.

He pleaded not guilty to assaulting the woman.

A prosecution summary said the Samoan prop, who represents the Hong Kong rugby team, did not know the complainant, as they had been drinking with separate groups at adjacent high tables from the evening of September 27.

The woman turned around and identified Solomona after the alleged assault in the early hours of the following day. Another woman who witnessed the alleged incident filed a police report, leading to his arrest.

While in custody at the police station, Solomona became emotional and kicked a door bolt in a temporary holding area, causing it to bend.