Three Tongan rugby players suspended after loss to Canada [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 18:36. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Three 'Ikale Tahi players have been suspended by an International Rugby Board judiciary after Tonga's 36-27 loss to Canada on June 8 in Kingston, Ontario.
Reports stated that Tonga backs David Halaifonua and Siale Piutau with prop Edmund 'Aholelei will miss the rest of the Pacific Nations Cup, including the game against the United States on Friday, June 14 and against Fiji in Tokyo on June 23.
Halaifonua, who is said to have contested his charge, was banned for six weeks until July 21 for a high shoulder charge on winger Matt Evans who was taken out on a stretcher.
'Aholelei and Piutau admitted punching. 'Aholelei was suspended to July 12 for punching flanker Jebb Sinclair while Piutau was banned for three weeks to June 30 for punching hooker Ray Barkwill.
Apology
Meanwhile, 'Ikale Tahi coach Mana 'Otai has apologized for his comments after loosing to Canada.
In a statement from the Tonga Rugby on June 12, the coach admitted his comments were inappropriate and went too far in the description of the issues and said he was trying to highlight the referree issues that were raised in the game.
"I would like to formally apologize to the IRB and FORU including the match officials from the game against Canada. It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone and I offer my sincere regret if any offence was taken. It was certainly not my intention to upset or harm any individuals involved in the game," he stated.
'Otai accepted there is a proper forum for discussing these views provided by the IRB and he said he would adhere to the guidelines in the future.
Tonga Rugby President 'Epeli Taione was happy with the coach's apology. "The Tonga Rugby Union does not condone any comments of this nature. Mana 'Otai is the ultimate professional and he is very sorry, however we will be having an immediate internal enquiry to address this matter," he said.
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