WRU hand out punishments after clashes

WELSH Rugby Union disciplinary chiefs have handed out bans totalling 19 weeks and £500 in fines after a punch-up erupted in a grassroots game.

Oakdale’s 26-12 victory at Abertysswg Falcons in Division Three East A of the National League was marred by two prolonged clashes.

And angry WRU chiefs have rapped the clubs ‘for damaging the reputation and image of Welsh community rugby through the actions of their players.’

Two players from the Falcons, a flanker and replacement, were red carded for their part in the shocking brawl and an Oakdale player was also sent off for retaliation.

The WRU have studied the referee’s report from the game on September 29 and this week handed out their punishments to the two clubs.

One of the three players red carded during the game, Abertwsswg’s Scott Bowen has been handed an 11 week ban for punching and verbal abuse of the referee.

Team-mate Bradley Trigg was given a seven-week suspension for punching and Oakdale’s Jordan Wall received a one week ban for punching in retaliation.

The two clubs also received a £250 fine, suspended for 12 months ‘for damaging the reputation and image of Welsh community rugby through the actions of their players’.

The fine will only be payable if either club is found guilty of any further breach of the code of conduct within the specified timeframe.