Just watched the video.
BOTH players are at fault.
Player 1 initiated with a high elbow - itself very dangerous.
Player 2 lost control, first punch was entirely premeditated and made on the run...punch 2 deserves GBH prosecution.
There have been cases taken on by police in West Wales after local village matches but I am uncertain of the outcomes.
It's a physical game but unfortunately some players overstep the mark.
Less so these days due to the multitude of cameras.
In my day a lot more went on but was " part of the game" .....wrongly so.
There was a small contingent of out and out thugs who were allowed to continue due to their "effectiveness" for their team.
Cases of players being targeted as threats due to their ability etc.
"Hard men" we're respected and acceptable but the thugs not.
There were " sneaky b******s" who provoked retaliation knowing the player would be sent off.
The initiators all to often got off scot free which is unacceptable.
In the game in question both should have been red carded.
Flowers...a lengthy ( 2 or 3 year ban) ATLEAST plus prosecution.
Scuffles will always erupt in rugby and officials need to apply yellow/ red cards but this type of incident needs stronger action.
Referees need to anticipate animosity and defuse it before it erupts...I know refs who have done that easily by use of whistle to stop games and give lectures due to obvious intent being seen.
Over the years there have many similar type circumstances at all levels of the game, many televised.
It happens less these days at higher levels due to cameras, thankfully.
I loved playing rugby and the hard fought games were always great to play in, but mostly played with mutual respect which did include banter etc.
