RUGBY PLAYER OUT FOR LIFE

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33516, 23 April 1974, Page 16

RUGBY PLAYER OUT FOR LIFE

(N.Z. Press Association)

INVERCARGILL

An Invercargill Rugby player last night was suspended for life for allegedly striking a referee In the face during a match last month.

The management commitee of the Southland Rugby Union agreed on the suspension of T. Pakai, of the Pirates club, who struck the referee after being sent from the field during a match on March 30.

The suspension comes after a recommendation from the union’s disciplinary sub-committee, which heard evidence on April 2 from the player and the referee. The chairman of the disciplinary committee, Mr J. Smith, said that Pakai had given an honest declaration

of the facts and was oF viously very sorry lor his actions.

He said that Pakai was playing in a friendly match on March 30 when play was stopped because he and an opponent were wrestling on the ground. Pakai got to his feet and deliberately kicked the other player, Mr Smith said.

He was then ordered off the field by the referee but refused to go. After a second order he began to leave the field, but allegediv turned and struck the referee on the face. Mr R. A. Harper, a delegate from the Pirates club, said he supported the disciplinary committee but felt that life suspension may be too harsh. He suggested a five-year suspension.