A 17-year-old rugby player from Australia has been issued a 15-year ban for allegedly kicking an opponent in the head while he was receiving treatment.
The incident is understood to have taken place at the end of a grand final in Sydney last weekend, in which Avalon defeated the Beacon Hill Bears 21-20.
One of the players from the losing side, is believed to have struck the Avalon opponent and was later found guilty of Code of Conduct breaches at a NSWRL judiciary hearing on Thursday.
Two of his teammates were also handed bans of seven and eight years respectively. Following a video review of the game, 12 players in all were cited from the Beacon Hill Bears and two from Avalon.
The suspended players are forbidden from participating in any organised rugby league competitions.
Speaking to media in Australia, CEO of the NSW Rugby League Dave Trodden said:
"Incidents like these need to be eradicated from our game. Junior sport is to be enjoyed by its young participants, not spoilt by inappropriate behaviour. If there is even just one incident of this type, then it is one too many."
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