Thursday 7 September 2017 15:05, UK
An Australian 18-year-old has received a 10-year ban after striking the referee during the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union Under-19s Grand Final.
Video footage shows Maitland Blacks flanker Mark Meafua forcefully hitting referee Niklas Gaal during their 28-3 loss to Newcastle Wanderers.
Meafua had been involved in a scuffle, after the Maitland players objected to a dangerous lifting tackle by the Newcastle Wanderers and was about to be shown a red card for striking a player with his elbow when he lashed out at Gaal.
He was arrested at his home in Rutherford after the game and attended Maitland Local Court where he pleaded guilty and read out a three-page apology letter.
However, despite his regret, his actions were seen as totally unacceptable and at the top end under Australian Rugby Union guidelines.
Meafua, who was set to receive the Jack Scott Medal for the best and fairest player in the competition, was given a 10-match ban for the red card and a 10-year ban for assaulting the referee.
"We have not seen anything like this in our zone in 30 years," NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull said.
"It is unacceptable to verbally or physically abuse a referee. The sanctions show that if you undertake that behaviour, you will be out of the game for a serious amount of time.
"But, as well as ensuring Nik's well being, the union has an obligation to provide Mark with the appropriate support.
"Within that 10 years, the referee's association and Maitland will work with the young man to assist in some rehabilitation."
Meafua has until the end of Friday to appeal against the sentence.
