Three Auckland club rugby players suspended, one charged after opposing player allegedly coward-punched on field

A violent incident during a game between Pakūranga United Rugby Club and Manukau Rovers Rugby Club at Bell Park in East Auckland has led to player suspensions and a police charge.

Three Auckland club rugby players have been suspended – one for eight weeks – and one charged with assault after an opposing player was allegedly coward-punched in the jaw, causing him to suffer a seizure on the field.

The incident, which was reported to police, unfolded during a game between Pakūranga United Rugby Club and Manukau Rovers Rugby Club at Bell Park in East Auckland on May 24.

Video of the incident seen by the Herald shows a Pakūranga player engaged in a rolling maul, binding on to a Manukau player before the pair break off. The Manukau player wrestles with the victim before appearing to elbow him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious.

While the victim is sitting on the ground, another Manukau player can be seen approaching him from behind and allegedly punching him in the jaw, causing the Pakūranga player to suffer an apparent seizure on the field.

A Pakūranga Rugby Club player suffered an apparent seizure on the field after he was allegedly coward-punched by an opposing player.

A large brawl breaks out between the two sides, with further punches being thrown as the victim lies unconscious on the ground.

Moments later a Pakūranga teammate and the match referee can be seen racing to the side of the stricken player to tend to his injuries.

The incident was referred to the Independent Judicial Committee and, as a result, three Manukau players were handed varying suspensions of eight weeks, six weeks and one week respectively.

“Auckland Rugby is not satisfied that the sanctions issued by the Independent Judicial Committee reflect the seriousness of the incidents and will be lodging an appeal,” an Auckland Rugby spokesperson told the Herald.

“From here, a separate Incident Appeals Committee will be formed to review the sanctions. In the interim, the players in question will be stood down.”

A police spokesperson confirmed to the Herald a criminal complaint had been laid over the matter and a 24-year-old man had been charged with assault.

“He is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on June 25.”

Manukau Rovers Rugby Club and Pakūranga United Rugby Club were approached for comment. Manukau Rovers Rugby declined the offer.

Pakuranga also declined to comment out of respect of the appeal process.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers sport and breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.