Twelve-year-old banned for punching coach

A 12-year-old boy has been given a three-week suspension from rugby for punching the opposition coach.

The punch occurred during a 12th grade rugby match between Southern and the newly-formed Manaia club at Hawera earlier this month.

The 12-year-old allegedly walked off the field during the game to punch Southern coach Brett Johnson, , the Taranaki Daily News reported.

This week the boy and his father appeared before the Taranaki Rugby Football Union judiciary committee.

Mr Johnson said he was not happy with outcome of the hearing.

"No," he said when asked if he thought the suspension was suitable punishment. "I do not think it's appropriate."

He said he was unable to comment further because the committee hearing was confidential, but he would be talking with Southern Club officials to consider his options.

The boy's father declined to comment on the suspension.

Judiciary committee chairman Colin Twigley said the offence was at the lower end of the scale, but the TRFU did not condone what happened.

- NZPA