NRFF slams 12-week ban on Cowrie RFC star, Ayinla

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has suspended Cowrie RFC star, Hafis Ayinla, for 12 weeks following a report by President’s Cup tournament officials over his conduct during the final game of the tournament against Marlins RFC from the United Kingdom.

The four-man committee set up by the NRFF found Ayinla guilty and decided to sanction him in line with article 10.4(s), 10.4(m) of the International Rugby Board.

Hafis, who was shown a red card for engaging in a verbal attack with the centre referee, Denis Clement, decided to take laws into his hands after the referee sanctioned him.

After a thorough investigation and reviews of video evidences, Hafis was found guilty of a verbal attack on the referee and also conducting himself in a manner that negates the spirit of good sportsmanship, the NRFF said yesterday.

“In line with the regulations 17 of the IRB, which deals with players’ indiscipline and foul play on the field of play, the Cowrie RFC of Lagos player has, therefore, been suspended from participating in any NRFF sanctioned tournament for 12 weeks,’’ the body added.

The committee also recommended that more stringent punishment should be handed out to other players in case of future act of misconduct, saying it would protect match officials and the integrity of the sport