20 Aug 2015

NZ Rugby fined for Messam involvement in scuffle

11:58 am on 20 August 2015

The All Blacks have been fined more than $2,000 after Liam Messam rushed the field during a dust-up in New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup win over the Wallabies on Saturday.

Liam Messam (in beanie) gets involved in scuffle between All Blacks and Wallabies at Eden Park 2015.

Liam Messam (in beanie) gets involved in scuffle between All Blacks and Wallabies at Eden Park 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Messam was not in the playing squad and was acting as a water boy for the side.

Under tournament rules, water carriers are not permitted within the playing enclosure while the match is in progress.

Messam entered the field of play during the 29th minute, which constituted a breach of technical zone protocol.

All Blacks' team management accepted responsibility for this breach and were issued a fine of $2,228.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said: "We fully accept that we breached the sideline protocols during the match on the weekend and we accept the fine. I have made it clear to the All Blacks team management that it was a mistake we cannot repeat."

New Zealand beat the Wallabies 41-13.