14 rugby team disqualified after alleged headbutt
A New Zealand high school rugby team has been disqualified following a match marred by an alleged headbutt and intimidating behavior. The incident is part of a series of complaints regarding the team's conduct throughout the season.
Why it matters
The incident highlights growing concerns over sportsmanship and safety in youth athletics, leading to institutional disciplinary action.
Battlefield or playing field? Photo / Kelly Hodel, Waikato Times
A team of Tokoroa high schoolers have been disqualified from their rugby competition after a match that allegedly involved a headbutt and men “barking” behind the goal post.
After the Tokoroa Under-14 team lost a home game on Saturday, the situation was said to be “within an inch” of turning into a full-on brawl and the atmosphere was intimidating enough for St Peter’s of Cambridge spectators to leave “as a pack”.
This follows a string of incidents and complaints against the team throughout the season, with referees and teams alike refusing to travel to Tokoroa because of abuse.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in