Rugby: Union cops fine after rowdy flight

Players' behaviour had been the subject of a previous complaint, the NZRU noted.

Hi-jinks by several players on a charter flight has cost the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union $5000, plus a stern warning from the NZRU.

The SCRFU was found guilty of misconduct after complaints of misbehaviour by members of their Heartland Championship team on a charter flight from Gisborne to Wellington around a week ago.

A disciplinary hearing this week heard that the team's behaviour was so rowdy, they were refused permission to board their connecting flight to Christchurch.

Judicial officer Bruce Squire QC ordered the small South Island union to pay a fine of $4500 plus $500 costs, and issued a formal warning to the union in relation to any future misconduct.

Squire noted that the a team from South Canterbury was subject to a similar complaint about their conduct on a charter flight last season, so it was not appropriate to deal with this case purely by way of a reprimand or caution.

- NZHERALD STAFF