CRU suspends Harlies, Hunters A-grade sides over brawl

CAPITAL Rugby Union (CRU) has suspended the Harlequins club and Valley Hunters A-grade side following a brawl which involved spectators and players during their round-three match at Bava Park a fortnight ago.
Harlequins were forfeited their points across all three divisions while Hunters only had their A-grade team penalised in round four last weekend.
Their suspensions continues this weekend as their points will be forfeited in round five.
Union president Kori Chan told The National yesterday that the penalties were handed down by the judiciary.
“The A-grade sides of both clubs got into a scuffle and then supporters invaded the field the previous weekend,” he said.
“This is not something we want to encourage in the competition and sport. But it’s good that both clubs took full responsibility and accepted the penalties.
“For Harlequins, we wanted to punish the A-grade side, but agreed to have all its teams suspended, so they can learn from this.”
The suspensions disrupted the highly-anticipated top-of-the ladder match between Brothers and Harlequins in the premier division last weekend which saw Brothers picking up two competition points via forfeit.
Teams that will be facing the suspended teams this weekend will pick up free points before the suspension are lifted from round six.
Chan said the clubs took part in community work as part of their penalties.
“Last weekend, both clubs did clean-up at Bava Park,” he said.
“They will do the same this weekend and return next week.”