An U16s cup final has made international headlines after a spectator disrupted play.

The incident occurred during Royston Rugby Club U16s 64-5 victory against Old Fullerians in the Hertfordshire Shield final on Sunday.

The spectator, believed to be one of the Fullerians player’s father, tripped up a Royston player just as he was about to score another try in the convincing victory by Royston.

The action incensed players and supporters and caused the match to be ended 10 minutes prematurely.

The story has been featured in various national newspapers and has even made headlines in the New Zealand Herald as their picture of the day.

David Ayliffe, the team’s coach, said: “It’s been a great season for the team and we don’t want this isolated incident to overshadow that.

“No one at this club or Fullerians condones this sort of behaviour and the person who did it was acting alone. It is being investigated by the Herts RFU (Rugby Football Union).”

The incident failed to put a dampener on the squad who, over the past three seasons, have been promoted three times and division champions twice, as well as being crowned Hertfordshire County Plate winners twice, Cambridge County Cup runners up and Eastern Counties finalists.