Rugby: Auckland lock cleared of charge

Auckland lock Andrew Van der Heijden. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland lock Andrew Van der Heijden has been cleared of a charge of stamping on Wellington prop Neemia Tialata following an incident during their teams' ITM Cup match at Eden Park on Saturday, says the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The 26-year-old appeared before Judicial Officer Peter Hobbs at the New Zealand Rugby Union offices today in Wellington.

Van der Heijden was represented by lawyer Stephen Cottrell and Auckland manager Steve Devine.

Mr Hobbs considered video evidence and statements from both Wellington and Auckland players together with submissions made by Mr Cottrell.

Having taken account of all the evidence and submissions, Mr Hobbs accepted that the contact with Tialata's head occurred while Van der Heijden was rucking for the ball and that the contact was accidental. On that basis the charge was dismissed, says the NZRU.

- NZ Herald staff