Pupil faces hearing for role in rugby brawl

A Dannevirke High School pupil has been cited for his role in a college rugby brawl in a match against Upper Hutt College.

Two brawls marred the first XV clash in Dannevirke on Saturday, with the match referee reportedly having to be escorted to the changing rooms after being threatened.

Dannevirke High School board of trustees chairman Stuart Brown said one of its players was due to appear before the Manawatu Rugby Union over his role in the fight. The pupil had already been suspended by the school. However, at this stage, he would still play this weekend.

The referee was escorted to the changing room by Dannevirke's assistant coach after being threatened by one of the Upper Hutt players, Mr Brown said.

Dannevirke High School principal Mike Tribe was writing to the Hurricanes Youth Rugby Council, the tournament organisers, about the threats.

Mr Brown denied reports that the brawl was started after a Dannevirke player gave an Upper Hutt opponent the fingers after scoring a try, saying the boy was celebrating. He accused the Upper Hutt players of being too aggressive during the match.

Upper Hutt College principal Judith Taylor said it was "disappointing" that the match had resulted in a fight. "This school does not condone violence on the rugby field or anywhere else and it will certainly deal with such matters where necessary."

The allegations of threatening the referee would be investigated, she said, but she criticised the choice of referee.

"It is disappointing ... that a game of such importance was not accorded a referee of more seniority and experience – I understand the referee was the head boy of Dannevirke High School last year, and to be placed in such a position would have been very difficult for him."

Mr Brown confirmed the referee was last year's head boy but said he was an experienced referee who was appointed by the local rugby union, not the school.

Ms Taylor said her school's board had reviewed the events but had not received any official incident report from tournament organisers, "which could reasonably have been expected by now". Board chairman Malcolm Frew said the Upper Hutt reserves who joined the brawl would be disciplined.

- © Fairfax NZ News