Mike Hester: Participation Development Manager at NZR on referee abuse, Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union cancelling fixtures

 

A call for New Zealand Rugby to protect referees more. 

The Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union has postponed fixtures this weekend after a referee was so seriously abused he had to be escorted to his car over safety fears. 

Last month, the union said in response to escalating abuse towards match officials – highlighted by a person threatening to stab a referee – that they would cancel all senior club games if behaviour didn’t improve. 

Mike Hester, Participation Development Manager at NZ Rugby Union, joined Jason Pine to unpack the situation. 

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