Rugby officials have launched an investigation after a punch-up between two teammates.

Fans at the recent Napier Pirate Rugby & Sports Club v Aotea clash in the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's club competition were left stunned after Pirates' forward Sean Morrison punched teammate Kelsey Miller in the face.

The incident – which was broadcast during highlights of the match on Sky's Grassroots Rugby show – happened after Aotea scored a try.

In the lead-up to the five-pointer, the Aotea player had been able to run through a defensive line featuring Morrison.

Miller is caught on camera having words to his teammate, and then appeared to give him a gentle shove.

Morrison responded by lashing out with his fist.

Napier Pirate chairman Graham Atkins told the Herald the matter was of concern and would be discussed at a committee meeting on Monday night.

"Our club captain has been dealing with it," he said.

"I have to careful what I say. [But] it is not something you would expect to see. That sort of behaviour is very disappointing.

"We are not that sort of club.":

Atkins said Napier Pirate had the "right" to bring anyone who "brought the club into disrepute" before its management committee to explain themselves.

Napier Pirate won the match 26-22.

Footage of the post-try punch has been circulated around the world.

It has also been picked up by international media outlets including the Daily Mail, which reported: "Morrison was one of the players that the Aotea player skated past and Miller was not happy," the report said.

Napier Pirate prop Sean Morrison punches team-mate Kelsey Miller in the face in a Hawke's Bay club rugby match. Photo / Supplied

"He proceeded to give his teammate an all-time spray, but Morrison was having none of it."

A Hawke's Bay Today match report of the encounter described the game as a "festival of exciting rugby".

"After a minute's silence for recent iwi deaths, a spirited haka set the platform for a mighty battle between Aotea and Pirates, which eventually went the visitor's way 26-22."

Neither players involved in the post-try clash were in the Napier Pirate squad for last weekend's club action.

A profile of Morrison on Napier Pirates' Facebook page states: "He's been called the comeback king of 2022, and with his Player of the Match 80-minute performance last week, I'm not surprised!

"Sean started playing for Pirates in 5th grade and has been a staunch club man throughout his senior rugby.

"He spent his high school years playing for the first 15 and went on to play Hurricanes under 20's and spent a few years in HB Development, always playing prop.

Seany is infamous for his big hits on the field (always legal of course). I've heard many Pirates comment that they're glad they play alongside him and not against him!

"At 26, he's racked up an impressive 91 premier games and that's with a few seasons out due to injury, his goal for 2022 is to follow in his dads footsteps and get to that 100th game. Sean's highlight as a Pirate was winning the 2015 Maddison.

"Sean enjoys his time outside of rugby playing with cars, having beers with the boys and spending time with his baby girl. We're very excited to have Sean back in black this season."