AusLeisure

An F45 gym in the south east Queensland community of Browns Plain has confirmed that it no longer employs Tamafaiga Nick Kepu, a personal trainer and mixed martial arts fighter, convicted on six assault charges by a Court in Beenleigh this week.

Kepu was sentenced to two years' jail with immediate parole on Tuesday for bashing his ex-wife's new partner and grabbing her by the throat.

Despite media reports earlier this week that it had “closed ranks around” Kepu, the gym released an official statement regarding his employment that read: “F45 Browns Plains does not tolerate or condone violence and is appalled by this unacceptable and illegal behaviour.

“F45 Browns Plains employed the former trainer on a casual contract for up to two shifts per week in October 2020.

“F45 Browns Plains was unaware of the incident that occurred some 18 months prior.

“A week before Christmas 2020, F45 Browns Plains was made aware of the situation, and the former trainer was removed from the roster and has not worked since.

“F45 Browns Plains does not employ the former trainer.”

Earlier, a journalist from the Albert & Logan News when seeking comment from F45 Training Browns Plains owner Conan Taupo and another unidentified personal trainer one of the pair was heard saying reporters could expect a “free uppercut” if making future contact.

The reported advised that the threat occurred within earshot of a gym cleaner and an F45 client.

Questions submitted to F45 Training included whether Kepu remained an employee of F45 Browns Plains, whether the gym was aware of the (then) allegations against Kepu when they hired him in October last year, and whether they agreed some female members of F45 Browns Plains would be uncomfortable with Kepu’s presence in light of his actions.

A Facebook post by F45 Browns Plains announcing Kepu’s hiring in October has since been deleted, but a post proudly updating their ‘Beastplains’ family on training undertaken by Kepu remains.

Kepu also played at centre for the Sunnybank Dragons Rugby Union Football Club. The Club has not advised what action it will take against him.

Image: Tamafaiga Nick Kepu from a since-deleted F45 Training Browns Plains Facebook post in October last year announcing his commencement as a personal trainer at the gym. Credit: Facebook/F45 Training Browns Plains.

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