Two English teams docked 15 points after mass brawl – punishment suspended

A RUGBY Football Union Disciplinary Hearing meeting at the Leeds Brighouse Holiday  ruled on the following cases:

1. York RI RFC, who were charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game, contrary to Rule 5.12, in that their members took part in a fight with members of Thornensians RFC during a match at York RI on September 18, 2010, were reprimanded and penalised 15 league points, suspended until May 31, 2012.

2. Robert Taylor of York RI RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against Thornensians RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for three weeks. He can play again on April 13, 2011.

3. Adrian Horwell of York RI RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against Thornensians RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for four weeks. He can play again on April 20, 2011.

4. Simon Horwell of York RI RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against Thornensians RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for four weeks. He can play again on April 20, 2011.

5. Tui Radravu of York RI RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against Thornensians RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for two weeks. He can play again on April 6, 2011.

6. Thornensians RFC, who were charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the Game, contrary to Rule 5.12, in that their members took part in a fight with members of York RI RFC during a match at York RI on September 18, 2010, were reprimanded and penalised 15 league points, suspended until May 31, 2012.

7. Scott Berry of Thornensians RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against York RI RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for three weeks. He can play again on April 13, 2011.

8. Robert Moffatt of Thornensians RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against York RI RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for three weeks. He can play again on April 13, 2011.

9. Adan Smith of Thornensians RFC, who was charged with punching or striking an opponent contrary to Law 10 (4)(a) in the game against York RI RFC on September 18, 2010, was suspended for two weeks. He can play again on April 6, 2011.

The Panel comprised Mike Hamlin (chairman), Antony Davies and  Austin Newman.