McHugh Assaulted During Tri-Nations Game

10/08/2002. Irish referee Dave McHugh was assaulted by a Springboks fan during the course of the South Africa v New Zealand game in Durban and forced to withdraw with an injured shoulder

The Tri-Nations Test in Durban between South Africa and New Zealand was marred when a Springboks fans raced onto the field and asaulted referee Dave McHugh whilst he was setting a scrum. Although the players quickly came to McHugh’s assistance he was knocked to the ground and the impact damaged his shoulder. The Irish official was forced to leave the field with with Chris White taking over