Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
World World
NZ NZ
Back

RugbyPass+

+

The major Six Nations concern for Wales and England ahead of World Cup 2023

Wales and England might regret stepping onto the coaching merry-go-round.

RugbyPass+ Home

Rugby player banned for life for on-field attack on referee

By Online Editors
The player has been banned for life.

A South Otago rugby player has been banned from playing the sport in New Zealand after punching a referee.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 28-year-old Vaea Uelese was playing for Crescent’s senior team on July 27 when he was sent off by referee Brandon Hale.

According to New Zealand media reports, the Crescent player didn’t agree with the call and took out his anger on Hale by throwing a punch.

The incident was captured in a grainy video from the sideline.

Video Spacer

The New Zealand Herald reported that the violent act took place towards the end of a club game against Strath Taieri in Middlemarch.

Shortly after the game, the Crescent player was charged with assault by police.

ADVERTISEMENT

But Uelese walked away from the criminal justice system without any assault charge.

The Otago Rugby Football Union confirmed yesterday Uelese would not play rugby in New Zealand again.

However, the Dunedin District Court confirmed that Uelese will be allowed to be involved in administration, officiating or coaching after the end of next season, partly due to a reconciliation process he had with referee Hale.

Source: New Zealand Herald

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Join Free
ADVERTISEMENT
RUGBYPASS+
RUGBYPASS+ How three refugees of England rugby landed Down Under after club cull How three refugees of England rugby landed Down Under after club cull
Search