Club rugby brawl probe continues

The South Canterbury Rugby Football Union (SCRFU) is investigating why players left the substitutes’ bench to join a mass brawl between under-18 teams.

The union launched an investigation after a preseason friendly between the new Aoraki Combined side and Roncalli Combined turned ugly last Friday.

Witnesses say a fracas broke out after what has become a contentious tackle, 10 minutes into the second half.

SCRFU chief executive Craig Calder said the first step was to hold a formal meeting with the coaches and management of the Aoraki Combined team on Monday night.

Calder said there would likely be a hearing of some sort after the meeting with Aoraki Combined.

‘‘I also have the referee’s report and need a response to that.’’

There was a letter of complaint from Roncalli College deputy principal Andrew Jones, Calder said.

‘‘I don’t want to go into specifics at this stage but we are certainly dealing with the situation.’’

Calder said no-one from the Aoraki Combined side’s coaching staff or management was able to speak publicly until the matter had been concluded.

‘‘We are also still awaiting the match day manager’s report.’’

Calder said his biggest concern was that benched players from both sides tojoin the fracas.

It appeared a couple of spectators also jumped the fence at Alpine Energy Stadium and ran to the action.

The Aoraki Combined side is new this season after the SCRFU canned the local under 18 competition. Its players are from clubs throughout the region.

Aoraki Combined prop Geoffrey Elderton believed his side was being unfairly painted in a bad light.

‘‘One of our guys tackled a bigger guy. He didn’t like being tackled by a smaller opponent and reacted.’’

Before then, referee Steve Turnbull had not issued yellow or red cards.