Five students from Auckland's Kelston Boys High School banned from playing rugby for their part in a brawl with rival Auckland Grammar School players have had their suspensions drastically reduced.

They were suspended for between 10-16 months following the brawl during a game on August 15.

Players from Auckland Grammar were suspended for between two to seven weeks.

Following an appeal before the Auckland Rugby Union appeal panel on Saturday, the Kelston students have had the sentences reduced to between 7-14 weeks.

Kelston lawyer John Haigh QC told Radio New Zealand the appeal was allowed on the grounds the sentences were manifestly excessive.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP