Police were called to a number of fighting in the carpark at a junior rugby league game in Invercargill.
Police were called to a Southland junior rugby league finals day in Invercargill on Saturday following reports of “a number of people fighting in the car park”.
It’s understood the fighting stemmed from tensions attached to the under-14 final played between He Tauaa and the Cowboys at Waverley Park on Saturday.
“Police were called about 1.30pm to Waverley Park to reports of a number of people fighting in the car park,” a Police spokesperson told The Tribune.
“It appeared it had stemmed from tensions/altercations on the field earlier on.”
Police said no complaints were forthcoming, although one person was given information about how to file a complaint if they wished to do so.
It’s understood the ugly incident has prompted frustration with some in the Southland rugby league community, given it has overshadowed some of the positive work that has been done in growing the junior game.
It’s also been described as a sad situation for the kids who play and love the sport.
The Tribune reached out to both Southland District Rugby League and New Zealand Rugby League about the matter.
Included in the questions to NZRL was whether New Zealand Rugby League had been made aware of the incident, which required Police attendance.
NZRL was also asked if it was now involved in investigating the matter, and if it would be involved in handing down any sanctions if it was deemed necessary.
Given the positive work in Southland around its junior rugby league, NZRL was also asked if it was disappointing that something like this might overshadow that.
A NZRL spokesperson responded, saying: “At this time, it is not something NZRL will be commenting on.”
A post on the He Tauaa Rugby League Club’s Facebook page expressed disappointment with what unfolded on Saturday.
“This was obviously a game full of tension that escalated on and off the field and resulted in some unforeseen events that led to some very serious actions that will be dealt with by the police, southern zone, NZRL and SRL.
“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated, and all persons involved will be held accountable and punished accordingly.
“He Tauaa do not condone any of the behaviour that occurred [on Saturday] as our club motto is “win with pride, lose with dignity” and we expect all club members to live up to that.”