'Unfair' school rugby brawl sentences cut

Members of the Kelston Boys High School 1st XV rugby team arrive at Eden Park for the Auckland Rugby Union inquest last month. Photo / Dean Purcell

Five students from Auckland's Kelston Boys High School banned from playing rugby for their part in a brawl with rival Auckland Grammar School players have had their sentences drastically reduced.

They were suspended for between 10 and 16 months following the brawl during a game on August 15.

Players from Auckland Grammar were suspended for between two and seven weeks.

Now following an appeal before the Auckland Rugby Union appeal panel today, the Kelston students have had the sentences reduced to between seven and 14 weeks.

Kelston lawyer John Haigh QC, said the original sentences were "unfair and unjust" but he was content with today's decision.

He said the students were "very pleased".

- NZPA