Rugby: Crusaders teammates trade punches as tensions spill over at training

Two Crusaders forwards reportedly clashed at training days after the team’s loss to the Blues. Photo / Photosport

By RNZ

Days after a significant loss to the Blues, tensions rose at a Crusaders training on Tuesday with reports of punches thrown.

Stuff is reporting forwards Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker were involved in a dust-up at Rugby Park in Christchurch during a contact session.

Captain David Havili reportedly broke up the altercation.

After training, coach Rob Penney did his best to downplay the tension, telling reporters he was not fazed by the clash between his players, and even welcomed it.

“So there should be,” Penney said when asked if there was tension in the camp after the 29-13 defeat to the Blues.

“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren’t happy with the performances and the outcomes.

“Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.

“But it’s not a thing that is going to affect negatively. We are all over it, the boys are fine.”

Penney expected there could be more scuffles at training in the future.

“It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.”

-RNZ