Five players from the Otahuhu Rugby Club have banned from the sport for life after assaulting a referee.
The incident happened on Saturday August 6th in a match between Otahuhu under-19 and Suburbs under-19.
The matter is also being investigated by police.
A judicial panel considered evidence from several parties including video footage of the incident in which the referee was injured.
The chair of the Auckland Rugby Union, Glenn Wahlstrom, says the judicial committee has given a very strong message that match officials must have the right to be safe in the role they perform without being subjected to violence.
Sanctions have also been imposed on the Otahuhu club and the coach of the side.
The club can appeal the decision.
