📰 Police probe "aggravated assault" after club rugby player elbowed and punched in head

By Benjamin Plummer

Police and Auckland Rugby are investigating after a club rugby player was elbowed and punched in the head by two opposing players, resulting in him having an apparent seizure on the field.

The incident unfolded during a game between Pakuranga United Rugby Club and Manukau Rovers Rugby Club at Bell Park in East Auckland on Saturday afternoon.

Video seen by the Herald shows a Pakuranga player engaged in a rolling maul, binding on to a Manukau player before the pair break off. The Manukau player wrestles with the victim before appearing to elbow him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious.

While sitting on the ground, another Manukau player approaches the victim from behind and punches him in the jaw – causing the Pakuranga player to suffer an apparent seizure on the field.

A large brawl breaks out between the two sides, with further punches being thrown as the victim lies unconscious on the ground.

The victim, who the Herald has decided to keep anonymous, is understood to be recovering – but in a state of shock, suffering emotionally and unable to work.

An Auckland Rugby spokesperson said the union “strongly condemns violence of any kind” and emphasised it has no place whatsoever in the game of rugby.

“The incident in question is the subject of an ongoing independent judicial review and as such we will not be making any further comment until that process is complete.

“Our immediate thoughts and concerns are with the injured player and we have been in touch to ensure they are receiving our full support.”

Sergeant Kevin Deo, of the Counties Manukau East Police, confirmed to the Herald that police were investigating a report of an “aggravated assault” at a rugby game in Pakuranga at the weekend.

“The assault was reported to police on Tuesday. We are currently in the process of speaking with the victim further and progressing our inquiries.”

Pakuranga United Rugby Club said the matter was being investigated by Auckland Rugby and didn’t wish to comment further.

The Herald has approached Manukau Rovers Rugby Club for comment.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.