Alleged contact with referee in Subbies grand final referred to judiciary

NSW Suburban Rugby Union has confirmed it will refer an incident involving alleged contact by a player with the referee in Saturday’s Division One Kentwell Cup grand final to its judiciary.

A player appears to make contact with referee Max Fulton in the final moments of the clash between Hunters Hill and Waverley on Saturday at Concord Oval.

Hunters Hill had one final play near the Waverley try line as they trailed 27-24 in the shadows of full-time. Fulton ruled that Hunters Hill had knocked the ball on and, during the scuffle that ensued, the referee clutched his face, before eventually blowing full-time.

In a statement, a spokesperson for NSW Suburban Rugby Union confirmed Fulton had referenced contact from a Hunters Hill player in his match report and the matter would be dealt with by the union’s judiciary, which will sit on Wednesday night.

“The union is certainly aware of the matter, and although these types of incidents are rare, we take them very seriously,” the statement said.

“We are in receipt of a report from the referee which states there was contact from a Hunters Hill player towards the end of the match.

“From here, the matter will be referred to the union’s judiciary, whose scheduled meeting night is Wednesday.”

Commentary from NSW Rugby TV captured the immediate reaction to the incident as players from both sides tangled.

“What has happened there? What in the world just happened?” commentator Anthony Deep said as it unfolded live.

An experienced community referee, Fulton made his Shute Shield debut four years ago and sits on the NSW Referees Welfare subcommittee. He also officiated the World Military Championships final three years ago through his work as a medical officer with the Australian Army.

Hunters Hill had made a strong start to lead the game, leading 14-7 at Concord Oval, before Waverley surged back and held on to win their first Kentwell Premiership since 1991.

The NSW Suburban Rugby Union code of conduct references the importance of respecting officials in its strictly amateur competitions, stating: “During the course of or after a match under the jurisdiction of the NSWSRU, a player, member, coach, manager, committee member, official, supporter or spectator, sponsor, or any other person associated with a NSWSRU Club, shall not abuse or address a referee or assistant referee in insulting terms, or act in a provocative manner towards a referee or assistant referee.”

Rugby Australia said in a statement: “The safety and wellbeing of match officials is of paramount importance. NSW Suburban Rugby Union has zero tolerance for any behaviour or actions that compromise those principles.”

Hunters Hill, Waverley and NSW Rugby Referees have all been contacted for comment.