Rugby: Swift punishment promised for racial abuse after Wellington club brawl

A club at the centre of a Wellington rugby brawl last weekend has promised to take swift action, if allegations of racial abuse are proven.

Spectators and players clashed during a tense Marist St Pats v Old Boys University encounter at Wellington College on Saturday, after OBU scored the matchwinning try in the dying moments.

Wellington Rugby officials are examining scouting footage to help determine the cause of the fight, but afterwards, MSP accused rival supporters of being drunk, attacking the father of one of their players and using "highly disturbing racial slurs".

Old Boys University chairman Peter McFarlane has joined his counterpart in condemning the incident.

"MSP has made an allegation of racist comments being made by spectators in attendance at the conclusion of the game," he says. "These allegations will be fully investigated.

"If established, OBU will not hesitate in taking action, as this does not reflect the values of our club and community. OBU does not condone or tolerate any conduct of this nature."

But McFarlane also claims MSP players attacked a spectator and abused match officials after the game.

"It is important to note that there are no allegations against any OBU players, management or coaches from the match, and from what I have seen, they conducted themselves admirably, given the circumstances.

"It was a deeply disappointing end to what was a very intense and physical match with an exciting finish."