Melbourne, Australia – Fijian Drua prop Jone Koroiduadua has received a two-week ban for a headbutt incident involving Melbourne Rebels’ hooker Alex Mafi. The decision was met with criticism from fans and pundits alike.
The Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) of Super Rugby Pacific confirmed Koroiduadua’s suspension, citing a violation of Law 9.12, which prohibits physical abuse in the form of striking with the head. The committee, consisting of Stephen Hardy as Chairman, Ofisa Tonu’u, and Stefan Terblanche, assessed the incident and determined that the act of foul play warranted a low-end entry point of six weeks due to the direct nature of the altercation.
Despite the initial assessment, the FPRC acknowledged that Koroiduadua’s head made limited contact with Mafi’s head, primarily hitting the chest area. Additionally, Mafi did not sustain any injury from the incident. As a result, the committee deemed the low-end entry point appropriate given the circumstances, ultimately deciding on a two-week suspension for the prop.
Fans expressed dismay over the lenient punishment, particularly in comparison to similar incidents involving other players. Many believed that the nationality of the player influenced the outcome of the suspension, with some suggesting that a player from a different country might have received a harsher penalty for the same offense. The reaction on social media platforms was mixed, with some labeling the suspension as “an absolute disgrace” and others criticizing the decision as “laughable.”
The Fijian Drua will be without Koroiduadua for their upcoming matches against the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika. The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked debates about player safety and disciplinary measures in the sport of rugby, raising questions about the consistency of sanctions for similar offenses.