Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms A lifetime ban ? What do you think.

I was always lead to believe that rugby was a ruffians game played by gentlemen - obviously not.

I was always lead to believe that rugby was a ruffians game played by gentlemen - obviously not.

I played Ice Hockey in Glasgow many years ago and never seen anything like this thug, he should be in prison. He is using a sport to hide behind

Don't disagree with you Richard, not a single word. As I hope I said I don't condone it but there is so much more that needs to be sorted before the odd punch, as I mentioned my lad was a second row, signed to Leicester Tigers academy at 14 he had access to the best coaching and dieticians but also was close to some tragedies, one of his closest friends from that era is today a Tetraplegic....they were in the England Schools then U21 squad together and both forwards. My lad was his captain at the time of the incident but (I think thankfully) was not at the training session where the tragedy happened or it would have finished him, something needs to be done about scrums, the players are too big and technical for the current scrums to continue, the loads on the front row are enormous. As for being proud, fit to burst mate, fit to burst.....best day was when he played in the Tigers team at Twickers in the Middlesex Sevens and scored a try, I hear the announcement but could not see his name on the scoreboard or anything else for several minutes.....we were in the players enclosure and I had other dads hugging me, most were in tears as we had all supported the kids through school, county and then club rugby. Now retired and a solicitor (none of us expected that!)he has a network of friends from Uni and Rugby but its the rugby lads he is closest to, very close knit and dear friends most of whom are family men now....most walk with a limp or have odd angle fingers ;-).

I have never understood why an assault on a sports field does not incur criminal charges. If it is a boxing match it is one thing but no other sportsman consents a deliberate punch or kick by an opponent.

These were the actions of an individual who was too hyped with adrenalin to conduct himself in an acceptable manner.

Shaun Wane stirred the pot leading up to the game with talk of "hatred" for Saints and vice versa which doesn't help but believe me, having attended dozens of Wigan/Saints clashes over the years they have an intensity rarely seen in other derbies.

What he did was unforgivable and his punishment is the knowledge that he cost his team mates the game, embarrassed himself on national T.V. and probably will never have the chance to play in such a game again.

To add to that he should receive a substantial fine and a ban of between five and ten games with a full public apology.

A lifetime ban though?........I think not.

There is no legal exemption for a rugby pitch. He could still be done for assault

"Rugby* is a hooligan's game played by gentlemen, whereas soccer is a gentleman's game, played by hooligans" - William Percy Cartmael (founder of the Barbarians RFC)

* he was referring to Rugby Union

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.

I played rugby union for 26 seasons and I have to say that there are many subtle and effective ways of distributing "retribution" than punching someone in front of the referee and thousands of spectators. That was a vicious and dangerous punch for which he should be severely dealt with - not only as a punishment but as an example to others in all sports.