Rugby: Players hit with lengthy bans

Gary Macdonald

Two MAC premier reserve grade rugby players have received lengthy suspensions following the calling off of a May 30 match involving their team.

Utility back Tai Vaiusu has been banned until November 1 next year for throwing a ball at the head of referee Jamie McFarland after their Flaxmere Park-hosted match against Taradale was called off early. Prop Moughan Sali has been suspended until June 1 next year for verbal abuse.

MAC Sports Association chairman Anthony Morley said his club won't appeal the bans. "It's not the first time suspensions of this nature have been handed out, but in this case it's two from the same club," Mr Morley said.

He pointed out it's the first time this season the club's premier reserve grade team have been in judicial strife.

"We feel the sentences are tough enough and won't be taking any further action against the pair. They will remain part of our family ... our club's motto is He oranga mo te whanau and this reflects the family-orientated nature of our club."

A judicial hearing for an MAC premier team player who threw a water bottle at referee Stu Catley on the same day at the same venue will be held on Wednesday night.

It has been a busy fortnight for the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's judicial committee. Last week Tamatea colts player, Mauriri McLean, has his suspension for assaulting referee Chris Matthews last month extended until the end of the 2016 season. Hawke's Bay Rugby Referees Association successfully appealed the previous ban which was until September 1 this year.

Union club development officer Gary Macdonald said there have been several cases of players receiving the mandatory two-week standdown after receiving a red card in a game.