FILE
The head coach of Rotorua's top rugby league club has been suspended from all rugby league activities for the rest of 2015.
The penalty was handed down to now former Pikiao Warriors coach Thomas Wharerau last week following his behaviour at a premier match between Pikiao and Taupo Phoenix at Hickling Park on May 9.
According to reports, Wharerau verbally abused the match manager and was involved in ugly scenes which led to a fight between players.
The situation escalated to a point where the match had to be stopped.
A judicial hearing was held last week in Tauranga to deal with the incident, and Wharerau was handed a severe penalty for his actions.
Upper Central Zone Rugby League - who govern rugby league in the region - sent a report from the judicial hearing to Pikiao Rugby League Club notifying them Wharerau was not allowed to play any part as a "team official" for the rest of the year.
The report stated: "After reviewing all the evidence submitted, the judicial committee decided that Thomas Wharerau will be suspended from partaking in rugby league as a team official in any capacity for the remainder of the 2015 calendar year.
"This includes (but not limited to) playing, coaching, training, managing, officiating or hydrating at any rugby league match at any club, school or representative level."
Upper Central Zone Rugby League did say Wharerau was passionate about the game and he was permitted to return to the game next year, if he meets some strict criteria including completing an NZRL refereeing course and coaching course.
Wharerau could not be reached for comment yesterday.
A representative from Pikiao Rugby League Club declined to comment on the decision yesterday.
Wharerau took over as head coach of the Pikiao premier team this year after Doug Unuwai moved on from the top job at the end of the 2014 season.
Pikiao won the Bay of Plenty District premier competition last year under Unuwai, but have struggled for the same form this season.
It is understood a new coach, Garrum Davis, has since been appointed to take the Pikiao team for the rest of the season.
Pikiao will go up against the undefeated Pacific Sharks (Tokoroa) today at Rotorua's Puketawhero Park at 2.30pm in a tough match for the club.
The two clubs met last year in the Bay of Plenty District grand final, which saw Pikiao being crowned champions, but Pacific will go into the fixture as firm favourites today.
Taupo were leading the match 20-16 when their game against Pikiao was called off on May 9, and they will keep their competition points for winning the match.