Rugby player gets 29-year ban

Buenos Aires - An Argentine rugby player has been banned for 29 years for kicking an opponent in the head.

The punishment was handed out by the Buenos Aires Rugby Union to Cipriano Martinez of the Pucara club, which said it supported the punishment.

"We're in agreement with the sanction, and we have also banned him for life from any activity related to the club," said Pucara club president Eduardo Bernadello.

The 25-year-old Martinez kicked Juan Masi of the lower-level San Albano club during a match this month. Videos clearly showed Martinez deliberately kicking Masi in the head with his right foot as the San Albano player was on the ground.

Masi left the field complaining of dizziness. It is not clear if he suffered any long-term injury.