An Oamaru man facing criminal charges after he allegedly punched a rugby referee at the end of a Citizens Shield semifinal on Saturday was given a five-year ban at a North Otago Rugby Football Union judicial hearing last night.
Rugby union chief executive Colin Jackson said in a written statement after the hearing, an allegation of misconduct against the 20-year-old man had been upheld.
The man was scheduled to appear in the Oamaru District Court on Wednesday but his appearance was adjourned until August 29.
