Sentencing adjourned for rugby game assault

Sentencing for a Te Puna rugby player who knocked out former Steamers player Simon Chisholm during a premier rugby game with a blind-side punch has been adjourned until next month.

Farmhand Uenuku Pieta, 22, was due to be sentenced in the Tauranga District Court today after earlier pleading guilty to a charge of assault with intent to injure in October.

But due to Judge Louis Bidois being unavailable sentencing will now take place on March 19.

Peita has admitted knocking Mr Chisholm - a Te Puke Sports hooker - unconscious during a premier grade rugby match against Te Puna in July last year.

Mr Chisholm spent two days in Tauranga Hospital due to bruising on his brain following the assault.