Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.
The brawl spilled over to the sideline – intensifying as spectators ran onto the field to join in
By Kate Lynch
The Auckland Rugby Union says it will find and suspend the instigators of an ugly brawl at an Auckland first XV semi final between Kelston and Auckland Grammar.
While video of the incident suggests Kelston threw the first punch, the school’s principal says racial taunts from drunk Grammar old boys inflamed the situation.
The Union will review footage of the fight, recorded by television cameras and witnessed by All Black Coach Graham Henry.
It was the moment that rugby rivalry turned to violence. As Auckland Grammar scored a last-minute try to seal victory, arch-rivals Kelston vented their frustration and anger.
Fists from both sides continued to fly as the brawl spilled over to the sideline – intensifying as spectators ran onto the field to join in.
The mother of one Auckland Grammar student was caught up in the thick of it.
The fight lasted for five minutes, and lead to one Grammar boy being knocked out.
Auckland Grammar are adamant Kelston started it.
“I think Kelston were a little bit frustrated that they had a player sent off early in the second half, and I think their frustrations spilled over into what was a pretty nasty incident right on fulltime,” says Auckland Grammar Rugby Director Grant Hansen.
“It got really ugly with not only players, but spectators becoming involved.”
The incident was witnessed by 2,500 people, including Graham Henry, a man who has coached First XV’s at both schools, and was principal at Kelston Boys.
“It was disappointing, obviously,” he says.
“It was a major game of secondary school rugby, and it’s disappointing to see that.”
After the brawl, the Kelston coach made his feelings clear to his players.
“You shake hands and you accept responsibility,” he said.
“You take it on the chin and you man up. I don’t want crying, I don’t want tears. You embarrassed yourselves and now you’ve got to stand up and be men.”
Kelston’s principal is standing up for his pupils. He says one of them was hit earlier in the game, and he has heard reports of racial taunts from Grammar Old Boys, who had been drinking before the match.
Grammar says they want justice for their players.
“Several of them are sporting some black eyes and some stitches as a result of punches that were thrown by not only Kelston players, but Kelston spectators,” says Mr Hansen.
“So I’m having to deal with some pretty angry and frustrated parents.”
The Auckland Rugby Union says it is deeply concerned, and has launched an inquiry.
“It’s a blight on the game,” says Andy Dalton of the Auckland Rugby Union.
“There are two very good schools that are affected, and they will be equally appalled at the situation, so we are taking it very seriously indeed.”
Players from both teams will appear in front of the Auckland Judiciary early this week.
Any player found to be bringing the game into disrepute could be stood down, and at worst teams can be banned.
That possibility will be weighing heavily on the minds of the Grammar players, who are due to play in the final against Mt Albert Grammar next weekend.
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