11-year-old to front rugby judiciary after ref felled

Parents and team management will appear before the club's disciplinary committee. Photo / File, Sylvie Whinray

Rugby officials have launched an investigation after a referee was allegedly knocked to the ground during an age-grade game in Auckland today.

The referee was officiating an under 12 match between Papatoetoe Rugby Football Club and Marist Eastern.

It is understood the referee had given a yellow card to an 11-year-old player, before the boy allegedly knocked him to the ground.

PRFC chairman Rick Steedman said the 11-year-old, his parents and team management would appear before the club's disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

The referee is preparing his own report to be tabled with the Auckland Rugby Union tomorrow.

Steedman said the match official appeared calm and didn't require medical assistance.

"This stuff shouldn't happen anywhere in the world and especially not here," he said.

A police spokesman last night said a complaint had not been lodged with them.