Statement on Petone and Poneke Complaint

A complaint lodged by Petone RFC on Friday alleging breach of two Poneke players’ eligibility in the Swindale Shield has been withdrawn.

An independent committee of the Rugby Board convened on Saturday morning to hear the matter, which resulted in the Northern United v Poneke premier and premier reserve fixtures being deferred, whilst an outcome was sought on the complaint.

The committee reserved its decision overnight; however, following a subsequent complaint brought by Poneke on Sunday, the committee found that the Petone club had also breached the player eligibility rules for playing an unregistered player in the Swindale Shield.

As such, both clubs have now withdrawn their respective complaints and the matter is closed. 

Wellington Rugby will now work closely with the Northern United and Poneke clubs to reschedule yesterday’s deferred fixtures in the Jubilee and Ed Chaney Cups. 

Wellington Rugby reminds all clubs of the provisions of WRFU By law 8 – Player Eligibility; and the requirements around registering their players.