Wellington rugby player gets life ban for punching ref

A Wellington club rugby player has received a life ban for striking a referee, moments after headbutting a Hutt Old Boys Marist player.

The player, from the Petone club, was in the process of receiving a red card for the butt, when he punched referee Michael Christenhusz in the face.

The player, who did not attend the hearing, has 14 days to appeal the ban.

- Newstalk ZB