Streaker’s tackle earns Yarrow Stadium ban
A streaker who ran the length of the field at New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium wearing only a pair of black socks won the support of the crowd but was shown the door by police.
Charl Jacobs, 24, ran on to the pitch during the final quarter of Taranaki’s 41-29 Mitre 10 Cup semi-final loss to Tasman on Sunday.
Jacobs sprinted the length of the field without a hand being laid on him and dived in between the posts at the scoreboard end of the ground to the delight of the large crowd.
However Jacobs’ actions resulted in his arrest. He received a formal written warning from police and he has now been banned from the stadium for two years.
Taranaki Rugby Football Union chief executive Michael Collins said it was unfortunate Jacobs decided to streak.
‘‘Obviously it’s not something that we encourage, we strongly discourage it, it’s not part of the game,’’ Collins said.
While Jacobs was receiving kudos from mates on social media he didn’t respond to requests for an interview. Sergeant Pat Duffy said there were 10 to 15 minutes left to play when the streaker made his appearance.
‘‘This huge roar went up from the crowd and I looked around to see what was going on and I saw him crossing the centreline and heading for the try line,’’ Duffy said.
‘‘I don’t know if he suffered grass burns as a result.’’
Duffy said Jacobs’ behaviour was not appropriate for the occasion.
‘‘He may have received the biggest roar of the day from the crowd but unfortunately it being a family day and event there were a large number of children present.
‘‘What this gentlemen doesn’t realise is that the New Zealand Rugby Union does assess crowd control at the venues around the country.’’
The streaker’s actions could have put future test matches and top flight rugby at the venue in jeopardy, he said.
‘‘It all might well be fun and games but there can be serious consequences.’’
The All Blacks are due to play Argentina at Yarrow Stadium in September 2017.