WRU Judicial Committee Imposes Bans
25th June 2009 09:44AM
Four-week bans were imposed on two players and two spectators by the WRU Judicial Committee this evening following a hearing into the player/spectator brawl which broke out during the Hautapu v Hamilton Marist premier grade rugby match at Memorial Park in Cambridge on Saturday.
The WRU Judicial ruled that two Hautapu players, TK Moeke and Romana Graham, would be banned from playing rugby for four weeks, while two spectators Travis Church and Romana Graham (Senior) were banned from attending any rugby games in the next four weeks.
All four people attended the WRU Judicial hearing and appeared before the committee as a result of their involvement in the incident which brought the game of rugby into disrepute.
Waikato Rugby Union Chief Executive Graham Bowen said: "Saturday's incident was an extremely disappointing affair involving two flagship clubs in our province. In addition to the WRU Judicial Committee bans, both clubs have been asked by the WRU to review their internal processes and report back to the Board within seven days with their outcomes."
"The behaviour of many club members at Memorial Park on Saturday was totally unacceptable and Waikato Rugby will not tolerate a repeat of such an incident. I have clearly advised each club they have a responsibility to put in place actions to ensure such an event does not occur again."
"There were children, many young aspiring rugby players, and their parents, in attendance hoping to watch a good game of premier grade rugby. Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable rugby experience was ruined due to disgraceful behaviour shown by some players and spectators from both clubs."
"There is a responsibility with all of us involved in rugby to uphold the integrity of our game and ensure it is played and enjoyed in good spirit.
"It is important to remember that the majority of people and players involved in rugby have enjoyable, rewarding and satisfying experiences. The incident at the weekend is an exception to the rule and one that I would hope not to see again on our rugby fields in the future."
