By Chan U-Gene

ST ANDREW'S School (SAS) has taken swift action in disciplining a player who floored Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) flanker Leonard Wee with a punch during Monday's Schools National B Division rugby final.

The incident, which happened right after the final whistle, sparked a pitch invasion from players and supporters of both camps.

Mayhem at the rugby pitch (updated with more photos) Click on thumbnails below to view. Story continues after photos. (Photos: ST, Mugilan Rajasegeran, Wanbao, Internet)

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SAS yesterday temporarily suspended the boy from lessons.

He was also banned from all school rugby activities for six months, disqualified from receiving the school colours, and will not be allowed to represent the school again.

The player also made a public apology in front of the entire school during assembly yesterday morning and will be taken to meet Leonard to reconcile their differences.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Education said that the Schools National rugby convener - St Andrew's - has appointed a disciplinary panel to investigate the incident. Appropriate action will be taken on the recommendations of the committee.

The Straits Times also obtained a copy of a private e-mail sent out by SAS principal Belinda Charles to the St Andrew's chairman, board of governors, management committee, Alumni Executive Committee, Parent-Teacher Association, and House Committee.

In it, she explained that the incident started after 'an ACS player batted the head of an SAS player who was still lying down and taunted him as a loser and made uncomplimentary remarks about his mother'.

The observation in her e-mail was similar to allegations the SAS' rugby adviser Richard Vanderput made after the incident on Monday.

He said: 'The question here is what did that ACS boy say to our player.

'Is this what they teach them in schools?'

Singapore Rugby Union chief Low Teo Ping, expressed disappointment, saying that the incident had marred the sport's image and promised to act.

'At the next game, we want to make sure that there is a clear demarcation that will deter spectators from getting onto the pitch and interfering with the game.

'We will also consider taking action against schools or individuals who bring the game into disrepute.'

Leonard suffered a broken tooth and was sent to hospital but was discharged soon after. ACS(I) won the match 8-7.

In a separate incident, two ACS(I) students were assaulted at a bus-stop near the Old Police Academy, which was the venue for the final. One student suffered a broken nose and was sent to hospital.

Police are investigating the matter.

This is the second time this year that a school rugby match is the subject of a probe. The Singapore Schools Sports Council is looking into Bedok Town Secondary's semi-final against ACS (Barker) on March 31.

Bedok's Adhe Noviello, 17, suffered head injuries and had to be warded at the National University Hospital's intensive care unit. He claims he was beaten by his opponents throughout the match.

The Straits Times understands that he has been relocated to a general ward.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.