8 Apr 2024

Police investigate shooting after rugby match in Hawke's Bay

From Midday Report, 12:14 pm on 8 April 2024

The police, and rugby officials, are investigating a Hawke's Bay club rugby match that ended with the away side being shot at as they left the game.

The match between Tamatea and Young Māori Party was abandoned early due to safety concerns regarding members of the crowd.

YMP coach Guy Taylor told Morning Report he was driving a team van when it was rammed by gang members, and two shotgun blasts were fired at the back window.

The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is meeting to discuss the incident. Hawke's Bay Police are following strong lines of inquiry as to who attacked the YMP players. 

Sport Hawke's Bay chief executive Ryan Hambleton spoke to Ben Strang.