TOKYO, 25 Sep - Australia’s Reece Hodge appeared before an independent disciplinary committee in Tokyo today having been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) in the 25th minute of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Pool D match between Australia and Fiji on 21 September.

The committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton QC (New Zealand), former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland) and former referee José Luis Rolandi (Argentina), viewed all the available broadcast angles of the incident, which resulted in Fiji’s Peceli Yato requiring a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

In considering all the available evidence, including multiple broadcast angles and submissions from Hodge and his legal representative, the committee deemed that the incident was an act of foul play and warranted a red card in line with the high tackle sanction framework. In following the framework, the committee determined:

There was an act of foul play (which was reckless, rather than deliberate)

The act of foul play was a high tackle

There was contact with the head

There was a high degree of danger

Given the above outcomes, the committee determined that the act of foul play warranted a red card.

The committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory mid-range entry point, which was introduced in 2017 to mitigate the risk of head injuries, which according to World Rugby’s sanctions table, carries a minimum six-match suspension.



Having acknowledged Hodge’s exemplary disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing, the committee reduced the six-match entry point by three matches, resulting in a sanction of three matches.

Hodge will miss Australia’s three remaining pool matches. The suspension will end at midnight on 11 October, 2019 after which he is free to resume playing.



The player has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours of receiving the written decision.



The full written decision can be read here when available.

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