FEARS that rugby union is going down the same path of violence as football have been strengthened by a 100 per cent increase in disciplinary cases in Kent last season.

The Kent County Rugby Football Union will hear at its annual meeting this week that 110 disciplinary cases were dealt with around the county last year.

"Such a significant rise in numbers gives serious cause for concern," the KCRFU says in a report to the meeting being held at Blackheath RFC.

Red cards doubled last season to 90, while a further 10 players were charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

One player was cited for on-field violence and 12 youths - five schoolboys and seven under-17 - were sent off.

"A particularly serious case of referee abuse was dealt with by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and resulted in a five-year ban," the Kent union said. One case of racial abuse by a player was dealt with.

The county's disciplinary task force urged coaches and players to improve discipline and be more aware of rucking laws.

The relevant law states "a player rucking for the ball must not ruck players on the ground".