New Zealand

An 11-year-old boy has been banned from playing rugby for two-and-a-half years after attacking a referee.

The Auckland Rugby Union on Thursday banned the Papatoetoe Rugby Club player who physically abused a referee after the official gave him a yellow card for a high tackle in a game against Marist Eastern.

Papatoetoe will ask for the decision to be reviewed, saying the ban is "excessive".

"We have respectfully appealed this decision," club officials said in a statement. "We feel that a three-season ban is excessive for an 11-year-old boy, given the circumstances surrounding the situation."

A hearing into the matter was held in July.

The maximum penalty for the offence is a life ban.