Rugby: Moa stand-down appropriate, says coach

Blues coach Pat Lam says the decision to stand Taniela Moa down from Super 14 action this weekend is justified.

Half back Moa has been stood down by the Blues for Friday's match against the Lions as he goes through the misconduct process.

Lam also said he was confident Moa's situation would not distract his Blues team-mates as they prepared to play the vital Good Friday match.

"The boys have trained well this week, and are looking forward to the game," Lam said.

Moa was involved in a bottle-throwing incident at an Auckland rugby club on March 28.

"He has accepted that, given the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for him to be playing while he is still going through the misconduct process," NZRU general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said.

Moa's misconduct hearing will take place next week.

Sorenson says the one-match stand down would be taken into account.

- NZ HERALD STAFF