Team’s van shot at after disorder at rugby fixture

A rugby team’s van was shot at after a match in Hastings on Saturday turned violent.

Before the shooting, there was disorder at a Hawke’s Bay rugby club and police arrived, separated the parties and the group was dispersed. Police said the van was shot at while being driven on Willowpark Rd about 3.30pm on Saturday.

“Those involved are believed to be gang linked and the shots appear to have been targeted at an opposing gang,” Hawke’s Bay area commander, inspector Lincoln Sycamore, said. “No injuries were sustained in either incident.”

The rugby game took place between Hastings-based Tamatea Rugby Club and YMP. Ngaire Culshaw told Stuff the YMP team from Raupunga borrowed a van which is usually used to run shearers about.

She said the van had dozens of marks from when it was shot at on Saturday as it was being driven by the team’s coach.

Tamatea Rugby and Sports Club chairman Stewart Whyte said yesterday the club does not support or have association with gangs.

“We refute claims the behaviour of individuals associated with gangs are supporters of Tamatea,” Whyte said. “The incident which occurred yesterday after the match between Tamatea and YMP involved gang members who are not associated with Tamatea and are not members of our club.

“Our committee thanks those present who acted quickly to ensure all whānau were safe until police arrived. We would like to extend our aroha to YMP for the events that transpired yesterday.”

Hawkes Bay Rugby Union’s referee manager, Keith Groube, said the game had been played in good spirits. “We’re not really looking at the team involvement. We’re concerned about the safety of our officials, players and spectators,” Groube said.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union will meet today to consider what to do about the situation going forward, he said.