Manawatu coach reprimanded

Press, 18 June 1986, Page 8

Manawatu coach reprimanded

PA Palmerston North The Manawatu representative rugby coach, Graham Hamer, has been severely reprimanded for playing the Cavalier prop, Gary Knight, in a match against Wanganui last Wednesday. The Manawatu Rugby Union’s management committee demanded an explanation of Mr Hamer in Palmerston North last evening, as Knight was forbidden under New Zealand Rugby Union rules to take the field for 23 days on returning to New Zealand from South Africa. Mr Hamer followed an explanation of his action with an apology. He did not wish to comment after theymeeting. A- union press state-

ment, released after the closed discussion, said: “Notwithstanding the apology and explanation that have been given, this management committee severely reprimands Mr Hamer for his actions and accordingly advises him that any future defiance of the Manawatu Rugby Football Union’s ; or the team manager’s decisions will result in dismissal.” A dismissal is the sternest penalty the union could impose. The union will instruct Knight and the Tongan international No. 8, Imosi Koloto, who played against Wales last week, that neither may play within three weeks of thelrjp' return. from overseas. F