Te Papapa Onehunga Rugby & Sports Club has appealed their premier rugby suspension.

Earlier this month an independently appointed Judicial Committee ruled the club was to be suspended from premier rugby for the entirety of the 2017 season after fielding a player banned for life on three occasions last year.

Te Papapa Onehunga appealed the severity of the ruling and after fronting an independent Appeals Committee it was determined the penalty imposed by the independent Judicial Committee will be reduced to a ban of 33 weeks, back-dated to 13 August 2016, the date of the initial judicial hearing.

The Appeals Committee also imposed the additional sanction that the club would be ineligible to earn any competition points for the first round of the premier competition.

Mitigating factors for the change in ruling were, bringing the dates in line with when the breach took place and that the club had instructed the coach at the time not to play the player in question.

Auckland Rugby CEO Jarrod Bear said the Union was satisfied to see a conclusion of this issue.

“A very clear and transparent process has been followed through the independent judicial and appeals process, now attention can be focused on preparing and delivering on what promises to be an exciting year of club rugby.

“It is a timely reminder to all club and school teams that competition rules must be adhered as it is paramount to create a safe and enjoyable rugby experience for all,” said Bear. 

Te Papapa Onehunga Chairman Chris Skinner said, “we are pleased with the outcome of the appeal and we now want to focus on preparing for the season ahead”. 

Te Papapa Onehunga will not be eligible to play in the Waka Nathan Challenge Cup.