JUNIOR RUGBY: The Central West rugby judiciary has taken a tough stand on juniors who misbehave by rubbing three Dubbo under-17s out of the game for a year.

The judiciary this week looked into an incident at Apex Oval in Dubbo last Saturday involving players from Dubbo Rhinos and Dubbo Kangaroos Reds.

After considering statements from both clubs and the referee, the judiciary wasted little time coming up with their decision, ending the season for three of the Rhinos players.

The Rhinos have reacted to the decision saying in a statement they won’t tolerate incidents such as those that occurred last weekend.

And earlier this week Rhinos senior grades coach Paul Hausia said he was embarrassed for every member of the club, seniors and juniors, after seeing what happened in the game.

The Rhinos have worked hard to project a wonderful rugby atmosphere on and off the field for all their players, and while concerned that some players don’t fully understand that culture, they are just as determined to go forward.

Three members of the Dubbo Rhinos under-17 team have been suspended for 12 months following a brawl after a match against the Roos on Saturday evening at Apex Oval.

Five members of the Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) judiciary met on Wednesday night in Orange to decide the fate of the three players who were red carded after the incident that is believed to have started following a tackle.

CWRU chief executive officer Peter Veenstra said the judiciary did not tolerate any violence on or off the field.

“The judiciary looked at the evidence they had in front of them and due to the serious nature of the incident, they felt that 12 months was appropriate,” he said.

Veenstra said that under the International Rugby Board sanctions, the players could have faced suspension for up to four years.

“The judiciary has written a letter to the Rhinos club advising them of their decision and has also been in contact with the club on the matter over the phone,” he said.

Veenstra said the report handed to the judiciary from the referee of the match, Vince Gordon, said the fight started following a penalty awarded for offside.

“The report said a Rhino’s player was prematurely offside and made a tackle in that off side position,” Veenstra said. “The Rhinos player made that tackle with a swinging arm which triggered the events that followed.”

A statement from the Rhinos club said they would not tolerate incidents such as those that occurred last Saturday.

“Currently the Dubbo Rhinos senior rugby club are working hand-in-hand with the junior club by fully investigating the ugly incident,” the statement said.

“What happened was unacceptable and embarrassing for both clubs involved as well as rugby and sport in general.

“We would like to reassure parents, players and supporters of Rhino rugby that there will be suitable punishments for all players and third parties involved.

“All Rhino rugby players are coached to play and respect the game of rugby within its laws and spirit on the field, as well as behaving in a dignified manner when representing the club off the field; this is the case from under-8s right through to our first grade team.

“We understand the severity of the incident which occurred on Saturday night and the damage it has done, however rest assured the matter is being dealt with accordingly.”

anna.yeo@ruralpress.com