Rugby

Watch: 10-year ban for shoving rugby referee

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Mark Meafua prepares to strike the referee

Maitland flank Mark Meafua has received a 10-year ban for forcefully shoving the referee during an U19 match in Australia.

The 18-year-old had been involved in a scuffle after the Maitland players objected to a dangerous lifting tackle by the Newcastle Wanderers.

He was about to be given a red card for striking a player with an elbow when he lashed out at the 19-year-old referee.

Meafua was arrested at his home in Rutherford on Saturday night and charged with common assault. He will face Maitland Local Court on 4 October.

Meafua, who was ironically set to receive the award for the best and fairest player in the 19 competition, was given a 10-match ban for the red card and a 10-year ban for assaulting the referee.