Gardaí probe alleged assault on U15 rugby player
The alleged incident occurred in a North Munster U15 league game between Shannon and Bruff at the latter’s Kilballyowen ground. The referee immediately abandoned the game.
A Garda spokesperson last night confirmed: “Gardaí in Bruff are investigating a report of an assault which occurred at a rugby club game at Bruff, Co Limerick, at approximately 11am today. A report was made that a teenage boy was assaulted while playing in an U15 club rugby game.”
A Bruff spokesman confirmed an incident took place, but said there would be no further comment from the club until they had time to investigate the circumstances.
Shannon PRO Andrew McNamara said the club “are investigating this alleged incident and are awaiting the referee’s match report”. He added: “The information we have at this moment is that a Shannon player was kicked on the ground and was subsequently surrounded by a number of Bruff players. The Shannon coach, who happened to be the player’s father, was in close proximity to the incident and he entered the field to protect his son. Subsequently, we are led to believe that some people, who were not associated with Shannon, encroached onto the pitch from behind the barrier. But the coach categorically denies assaulting anyone. We have yet to see the referee’s report and so we cannot comment any further.”
Munster branch officials said they are awaiting the referee’s report before making any statement. The branch has also asked both clubs to furnish them with reports on the game and the alleged incident.
Last week, Shannon lost their appeal against a record €25,000 fine imposed by IRFU disciplinary chiefs following a verbal assault on international referee and Bruff native George Clancy and his officials during Shannon’s defeat by Cork Con last month.
One of the stipulations was Shannon would suffer the immediate deduction of six AIB League points “in the event of there being a finding of misconduct against Shannon RFC on or before 31st May 2010.”
