It is understood the 27-year-old Tongan-born loose forward with 15 international caps to his name will appear in the Dunedin District Court today on two charges of assaulting a female and one of common assault.
"We are aware that charges have been laid against one of our players and we have initiated our own employment process," New Zealand Rugby professional rugby and performance general manager Chris Lendrum said.
He refused to comment further.
In May, police confirmed they were investigating an incident at Octagon bar Vault 21 and said a rugby player "of significance" was allegedly involved.
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said at the time he was aware of the incident and there would be an investigation.
Frizell was dropped from the Highlanders squad the week after the alleged incident but Clark said it was not a punishment, simply a measure to avoid "distraction".
