Young player gets life

Assault on referee

Lene Malasia is just 20 years old. He has been banned from rugby for life after admitting to charges of physically assaulting a referee during a match in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island.

Playing for his club Napier Technical's colts against Taradale at Park Island on 1 May 2004, Malasia assaulted (punched) referee Lance Behague.

He appeared in Napier District Court on Tuesday, 20 July, admitted guilt and was sentenced to  200 hours of community work.

The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union had reserved judgement till after the court hearing. It met with the player in Napier on Thursday, 22 July banned Malasia from all rugby for the rest of his life.