Rugby: Two week suspension for referee abuse

Bay of Plenty's Thompson Tapsell became the first player to be suspended for referee abuse after appearing before a New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) judicial hearing here today.

The committee has previously given warnings for abuse, but in this instance Tapsell was suspended for two weeks following two incidents during the development competition match between Bay of Plenty and Waikato in Tauranga on Saturday.

Tapsell directed further crude and abusive language towards the referee after being sin binned for similar behaviour earlier in the match.

Stiffer penalties are hoped to curb the increased incidence of referee abuse.

In today's other hearing, Bay of Plenty's Paul Tupai was censured for a high tackle on Waikato's David Hill, but cleared of using a swinging arm.

- NZPA