Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has been fined and banned for one match by NZRU for off-field misconduct.
Canes hooker banned for one game after bar arrest
Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has been fined and has received a one-match ban from the NZRU, following his appearance before a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing on Wednesday.
Coles' hearing followed his arrest and charge of disorderly behaviour after an incident in a Paraparaumu bar on Saturday
Under the Collective Employment Agreement (CEA) between the NZRU and its professional players, a formal process takes place for investigating any incidents of misconduct.
NZRU General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said that while Coles' case was still before the courts, the NZRU and Hurricanes had decided to fast track the internal disciplinary process and Coles appeared at a misconduct hearing at the NZRU on Wednesday.
As a result, Coles has been fined $1000 and been suspended for one match, which means he will miss this weekend's huge match against the Crusaders.
Coles will also have to undertake appropriate counselling for alcohol and behaviour management and has received a formal warning about future similar misconduct.
