Rugby coach’s 52-week ban

‘‘The suspension was received six days earlier for receiving a red card for foul play.’’

A high school rugby coach has been suspended from all rugby for 52 weeks after the Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) judiciary found him guilty of playing a player under suspension.

Morrinsville College First XV coach Colin Vette was found to have known that player Jamain Wilson was suspended for a match against Matamata College on August 31, but still played Wilson despite the six-week suspension.

The suspension was received six days earlier for receiving a red card for foul play.

Wilson then received another red card in the match against Matamata College for kicking a defenceless player in the back while on the ground, a WRU statement said.

Another inquest took place and the judiciary found that Wilson made the conscious decision to play despite his ban and a further 14 weeks was added to his suspension.

The WRU said Wilson had clearly ignored the judicial committee’s decision on his initial sanction.

Vette was also investigated for his knowledge of Wilson’s prior misconduct and suspension in order to address the coach’s involvement in the breach of the judiciary’s decision.

The result of the judicial process found that Vette’s actions were irresponsible and that he knew of Wilson’s suspension.

Vette was handed a 52-week suspension from all rugby, according to the WRU statement. No details were provided. Morrinsville College and the assistant coach were also requested to give evidence, but no further sanctions were issued.

All parties involved have the right to appeal the judicial committee’s decision.