New Zealand / Regional

Rugby ref resigns

06:13 am on 30 July 2008

A West Coast rugby referee has resigned from the sport because of verbal abuse by players.

Steve Lorraine has accused a number of Grey Valley rugby players of insulting him while he acted as a sideline referee for a senior final on Saturday.

Lorraine says he has previously complained to the West Coast Rugby Union, resulting in a player being stood down.

But he says this time, the abuse was serious with players bringing his anatomy and his family into question.

Grey Valley manager Robert Clough (Cluff) says he's not aware of any abuse by his players but will discuss the matter with the team.