An independently appointed Judicial Committee has determined that the Te Papapa Onehunga Rugby & Sports Club Inc is to be suspended from the Auckland Rugby premier competition for 12 months (as of January 1, 2017).

This outcome is a result of several hearings concerning the club playing a player banned for life in their premier team on at least three occasions during the 2016 season and providing false details on the team sheet.

The player in question, Daniel Havili, was issued a life ban in August 2011 following an assault on a referee and two opposition players during an Under 19 match. Life bans can be adjusted if a formal application is put forward but this had not happened in Havili’s case.

The committee adhered to the New Zealand Rugby Disciplinary Rules which enable a penalty for acts of misconduct to be imposed on the club. Due to the serious nature of this misconduct, it was decided a period of suspension from the premier competition was the most appropriate sanction.

Te Papapa Onehunga have seven days in which to appeal the decision.

This suspension does not affect the club’s ability to enter teams to compete in any other grade or division over that time period.

The Auckland Rugby Council of Delegates will determine if any changes are required to be made to the 2017 premier draw.

Until such time that the outcome has been accepted or an appeal process instigated and completed no one from Auckland Rugby will be able to comment further.