A Te Puna rugby player who admitted to making a 'king hit” on Bay of Plenty Steamers player Simon Chisholm will be sentenced next year.

Uenuku Pieta, 22, was due to be sentenced in the Tauranga District Court today after pleading guilty to an assault with intent to injure charge in October.

Uenuku Pieta pleaded guilty to knocking out Te Puke Sports hooker Simon Chisholm was knocked out during a game against Te Puna earlier this year.

Pieta will now be sentenced on February 13 after his case was adjourned.

The 22-year-old shepherd admitted to knocking Te Puke Sports hooker Simon Chisholm unconscious during a premier grade rugby match in July.

Simon spent two days in Tauranga Hospital due to bruising on the brain following the assault.

The force of the hit cut Simon's ear and left him concussed.

Pieta was charged after Simon's father laid a complaint with police.