New Zealand Rugby

Counties Manukau team physiotherapist Daniel Halliday has received a five-match suspension after a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing.

Submissions from match officials said Halliday abused and swore at both assistant referees during a match against Auckland last month and accused them of bias.

Halliday was also given a three-week match-day ban, to be suspended and only activated if there was further misconduct before the end of next season.

Counties Manukau coach Tana Umaga was also hit with a suspended two-match ban following a misconduct hearing into his conduct at the same game. Umaga reportedly had a discussion with officials after the match and subsequently made comments to the media.