30 Jul 2011

Sport: American Samoa's RUB decides fate of local rugby team

10:46 am on 30 July 2011

The American Samoa Rugby Union Board has made a decision on how the Nu'uuli Rugby team will be penalised following an assault on a Samoan rugby union referee.

Ponifasio Vasa was last Saturday kicked and punched by players and supporters of the Nu'uuli rugby team, leaving him unconscious for several hours.

Last night the written decision, reached at a special meeting of the board on Wednesday was awaiting the signature of the chairman of the union, Governor Togiola Tulafono.

KHJ News understands that the board unanimously agreed to a fine of 5,000 US dollars, a five year ban for the Nu'uuli rugby club, and a life ban for players who assaulted the referee.

Referee Vasa is expected to be release from the LBJ Hospital today.

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Public Safety, Leseiau Laumoli, says arrest warrants for at least eight people wanted in connection with the beating incident are being processed.