Despite whatever tomfoolery they pull on the sidelines, ballboys have usually been exempt from on-field penalties.

Not so in last weekend’s Pro12 clash between Leinster and Scarlets in Ireland. With only minutes left in the rugby match, Welsh referee Nigel Owens flashed the yellow at a young ball boy who had accidentally thrown the ball at him.

Turns out it was all a bit of fun, though. The ball boy sat against the touchline hoardings and gave a thumbs up, as Owens laughed off the incident.

He’s reported to have given the young fella his match jersey, too. Kia ora, Nige.