- Rugby coaches at the University of Wellington in New Zealand have issued a ban.
- Recently found guilty of verbally abusing a referee at an under-15 school match.
- A witness declared that a coach repeatedly branded a referee***
At least two rugby union coaches at New Zealand’s Wellington College have been handed long-term bans after abusing referees during recent junior matches.
The college’s under-15 whites team were ahead of the Porirua-based Aotea College whites 22-19 on May 25 before the referee abandoned the contest due to the constant abuse they endured on the sideline.
A witness to the match said the Wellington College student’s parents also verbally attacked the same referee, forcing him to end the match on the hour.
‘The (Wellington College) coach called the referee about 10 times,’ he told the New Zealand Herald.
‘He said (repeatedly) ‘Are you fucking blind? To the referee.’
Rugby coaches at the University of Wellington in New Zealand have recently been handed lengthy bans after abusing a referee during a junior match (pictured, the university’s 2021 football squad)
Witnesses also said the coach in question verbally attacked the 13- and 14-year-old students (pictured on college grounds).
Wellington College is a boys’ school founded in 1867. Melbourne Storm NRL executive Nelson Asofa-Solomona and footballer Leo Bertos are alumni.
The angry coach reportedly labeled his junior players (ages 13 and 14) ‘fucking idiots’.
Besides, heHis excessive sideline abuse almost made some of his boys cry.
Wellington College’s executive director of sport, Bryan Dickinson, confirmed that at least two under-15s coaches have been suspended for the next six games following a judicial hearing.
The university’s rugby program includes former All Blacks star Piri Weepu, who coaches the 1st XV.
Daily Mail Australia does not claim Weepu was involved in the incident in the under-15s match.
Wellington College’s alumni include Melbourne Storm NRL executive Nelson Asofa-Solomona, footballer Leo Bertos and gold medal-winning Olympic rower Phillip Wilson.
Dave Keat, the university’s athletic director, said earlier this week that the school had ‘no tolerance for bad behavior on the field or on the sidelines.’
‘We will send a reminder to all players, parents and the community to respect referees. Well, we have to really respect everyone and make every sporting event a safe environment.’
