A rugby player has been handed a 28-match ban after sucker-punching an opponent during a club game, effectively sidelining him from the sport for two years.
The incident occurred during a Christchurch premier reserve grade match against Marist Albion on June 28 at South Hagley Park. The player, positioned at fullback, entered a melee and struck an opposing player from behind with a reckless swing of his fist, which was caught on video and shared with The Star by a spectator.
Following the altercation, the referee sent the Christchurch player off the field. However, he proceeded to engage in a scuffle with a touch judge on the sideline, who was a Marist Albion player temporarily filling in the role. This led to further clashes between players, prompting the referee to prematurely end the match with Marist Albion in the lead at 43-0.
Afterwards, the player responsible for the punch reportedly continued the dispute in the Marist Albion changing room and later confronted the line umpire before retreating to his own changing area and eventually his car. As Marist Albion players were leaving, he allegedly attacked them, although no injuries were reported.
Following the incidents, the player and one of his teammates were expelled from the Christchurch Football Club. Canterbury Rugby has now taken action, imposing a 28-game suspension on the player involved, effectively banning him from all rugby activities for two years. Details regarding the fate of the other expelled player have not been disclosed yet.
