Rugby: Extra security after Sonny Bill mobbing

Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Southland rugby officials have reminded security guards to be mindful of player safety as they await Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield challenge in Invercargill on Saturday night.

They do not want a repeat of scenes in Dunedin last Saturday when Canterbury's star recruit Sonny Bill Williams was mobbed by spectators while trying to leave the ground after helping his side beat Otago in a national provincial championship match in Dunedin.

Teammates had to surround the midfield back to limit the pushing as he attempted to leave Carisbrook.

Rugby Southland chief executive Roger Clark today said the usual complement of security personnel would be employed for the shield match, which included six personnel patrolling the in-field at Rugby Park.

Clark said security would be specifically instructed to watch out for the players on the field immediately after the game.

"There was a bit of a shemozzle at Carisbook last weekend when other players had to protect him (Williams) rather than the security doing it.

"It's all right to let the fans run on to the field but it's no good if it puts the players under any sort of threat.

"They weren't little kids, they were big kids who were all over him and for any of the players we have to make sure we protect their safety."

- NZPA