A south Otago rugby player has received a life ban from playing the sport in New Zealand after punching a referee.
On Friday, the Otago Rugby Football Union confirmed 28-year-old Vaea Uelesewould not play rugby in New Zealand again after hitting referee Brandon Hale during a match on July 27.
The incident occurred at Middlemarch in rural Otago, in the senior final between Strath Taieri and Crescent, who Uelese played for.
Uelese had just been given a red card when he punched Hale. The incident was filmed and quickly circulated on social media.
Police withdrew the assault charge as Uelese completed his conditions of diversion and met with Hale.
"I've forgiven the player," Hale told the Otago Daily Times.
"I'm happy with how [restorative justice] was conducted. It certainly helped.
"I've been out refereeing again since then and been in a similar situation where I've given a card and it hasn't really crossed my mind."
Newshub.
