Wellington, Sept 29 NZPA - The New Zealand Rugby Union judicial office will host a range of misconduct hearings tomorrow following incidents in two provincial matches on Saturday.

Players and officials from the visiting teams will defend charges arising from the Air NZ Cup rugby match between Hawke's Bay and Manawatu in Napier, along with the Heartland championship match between South Canterbury and King Country in Timaru.

Manawatu fullback Kurt Baker and traininer Paul Hamson have both been charged with misconduct for allegedly verbally abusing assistant referee Zarne Johnson during the 35-30 loss. Baker is also charged with threatening Johnson.

King Country coach Brett Coombe is charged with allegedly verbally abusing match officials during his team's 23-13 win.

King Country centre James Hemara's charge relates to an alleged dangerous tackle on South Canterbury halfback Sekope Maea.

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