Rival school rugby fans erupt in stands

Action from the Taranaki interschool rugby match. Photo / SNPA

Things turned ugly after a game between rival supporters of two New Plymouth high schools yesterday.

Francis Douglas Memorial College and New Plymouth Boys' High School supporters had to be separated by security staff after the annual match at Yarrow Stadium, which Francis Douglas won 20-17.

Trouble boiled over during the presentations after the match, when fans had to be separated by security as their taunts became heated. Constable Bruce McIntosh said three supporters were ejected from the park.

Francis Douglas Memorial College principal Martin Chamberlain was at the game and said no blows were traded.

"I wouldn't call it a brawl - just heated banter, really," he said.

"There were two high-spirited groups of people involving former and current students from each school. The groups approached each other but the officials at the stadium were able to separate them until things quietened down."

Chamberlain said there was no problem during the match.

New Plymouth Boys' High School principal Michael McMenamin was making a presentation to the winning team when he heard a commotion behind him.

"There was a fair amount of banter going on but I'm not aware of any violence," he said.

He said he would look into the matter on Tuesday.