Publications
Partners
Cape Town - New Zealand Rugby and New Zealand Police have warned fans that pitch invasions will carry consequences.
PICTURES: Streaker disrupts All Blacks v Argentina - NSFW!
According to the SANZAR official website, a woman who invaded the pitch during the All Blacks v Argentina Test
match in Napier on Saturday was banned from all events at McLean Park
for two years after being warned by police.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said while disappointed the
woman managed to slip past security to get on to the field, he warned
that pitch invaders did so at their own risk.
“We take the security of players and the public at Test matches very
seriously and do not take this behaviour lightly. It is important to
remind people foolish enough to think about trying to take to the field -
clothed or not - they are putting their own safety and that of the
players at risk.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said Police staff would
continue to keep a close watch on future matches, and warned that such
incidents would be appropriately dealt with.
“This type of behaviour is not acceptable and there are potentially
very serious consequences for anyone trying to take the field while a
match is in progress. This can range from being trespassed from future
matches up to hefty fines and court charges for serious offences. Our
priority is to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time without it
being spoilt by pitch invaders, and we will continue to work with NZ
Rugby and other agencies to ensure that happens.”
Tew said it was important to remind people foolish enough to think
about trying to take to the field - clothed or not - they are putting
their own safety and that of the players at risk.
“As we do with all Test matches, we work closely with Police, other
emergency services and venue staff to ensure that the public, teams and
our own staff are able to get on with their respective jobs without
being harmed.
“We continue to work closely with Wellington Police ahead of the
Wellington Test match to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy a great
All Blacks Test match experience, in a safe environment for all.”
