Greg Bowker/Getty Images
A streaker ran onto the pitch in front of a packed crowd at Whangārei’s Northland Events Centre, there to watch the quarterfinal match between New Zealand and Wales.
A streaker has been fined after running onto the pitch during the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal – an act described as vile and disgusting.
The 48-year-old builder from Whangārei was charged under the 2007 Major Events Management Act.
He appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Wednesday, where he was fined.
The incident occurred during the quarterfinal match between the Black Ferns and Wales at a packed Northland Event Centre in Whangārei on Saturday night.
The naked run was stopped by security guards, but not before it was witnessed by close spectators, including children and young girls.
Police said the incident brought play to a stop and endangered players.
The streak was condemned by viewers, including England’s head of women’s rugby, Rachael Burford, who called it “vile” and “not funny”.
“Streaking in front of children is [an] illegal offence and should be punished,” she said on social media.
The streak did not detract the Black Ferns, however, who won the match 55 to 3 to book a semifinal against France on Saturday at Auckland’s Eden Park.
New Zealand Rugby said it was disappointed that a streaker got onto the pitch despite venue-specific security.
“Precautions were taken to prevent security breaches, however in this rare instance we were unable to stop a pitch invader from accessing the field,” a Rugby World Cup 2021 spokesperson said in a statement.
Andrew Cornaga/PHOTOSPORT
The streak did not detract Black Ferns, like Kendra Cocksedge, who went on to win the match against Wales 55 to 3.
“Fortunately, vigilant security staff were able to apprehend the pitch invader promptly and escort them from the field without delay.”
Security would now be tightened to prevent such actions happening again, the spokesperson said.
“Team and fan experience is our top priority and we will be redoubling our efforts following Saturday’s incident and security staff have already been briefed to remain extra vigilant at upcoming match days,” they said.
“It is disappointing that, despite efforts to ensure Rugby World Cup 2021 provides a family-friendly and inclusive match-day experience, the actions of an individual has drawn attention away from the incredible display of women’s rugby we witnessed during the quarterfinals.”
RICKY WILSON/STUFF
Jacinda Ardern makes poi with Rugby World Cup players in Whangārei, ahead of tournament games being played in Northland and Auckland. (Video first published October 6.)
Police also planned to keep a close watch on the crowd and field at the semifinals and final, a police spokesperson said.
Poor behaviour at the matches would not be tolerated and fans who invaded the pitch would be prosecuted, face a hefty fine or even jail time, and be trespassed from subsequent sporting fixtures.
“This type of behaviour is not acceptable, and police are disappointed to see it manifest at a family-friendly event like the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” the spokesperson said.
“Police urge fans to please respect players’ safety, the game and other attendees during the tournament.”
The spokesperson said for the most part, the behaviour of fans at the Rugby World Cup games had been “fantastic”, with a strong sense of togetherness.
“We hope to see it continue as we enter the last stretch of the tournament.”
