Australian grassroots player banned for 96 weeks

An unnamed grassroots player in Australia has been banned for 96 weeks – essentially the length of five full seasons when translated into games – after the physical abuse of a referee last month.

The incident arose during a RugbyWA Premier Grade clash between Perth Bayswater and Associates when the player ran into and over referee Ian Sunderland from behind during play.

It was initially thought that the collision was an accident. However, video and eye-witness accounts later determined that the clash was deliberate and it resulted in the Perth Bayswater player getting cited under World Rugby law 9.28 for physically abusing a match official.

His subsequent 96-week suspension is the largest possible penalty applicable under World Rugby laws.

A statement read: “RugbyWA can confirm the suspension of a Perth Bayswater Rugby Club player under the charge of physical abuse of a match official (under law 9.28). The suspension follows an incident from a Premier Grade game on April 22 and a RugbyWA judicial committee found the player guilty.

“Due to the high-end and deliberate nature of the offence, a sanction of 96 weeks – effectively, almost five years – was handed down.”

RugbyWA CEO Simon Taylor said: “We strongly condemn any form of abuse or harassment towards match officials and are determined to ensure that any such behaviour is stamped out of the game.

"The rugby community must remain vigilant against abuse towards match officials, and we hope that this sanction contributes to ensuring a more respectful approach to officials at any level of rugby."