(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Fiji’s Tawake Suspended for Three Matches at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Fiji’s player Tawake has been suspended for three matches following a dangerous tackle during the Pool B clash against Scotland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 on 30 August at Salford Community Stadium.
The red card, issued for a Law 9.13 offence (dangerous tackle), was reviewed under World Rugby’s off-field disciplinary process. A Foul Play Review Committee initially proposed a two-match sanction, which the player did not accept, prompting a full disciplinary hearing on 1 September.
The hearing panel, chaired by Jennifer Donovan (Ireland) and including former referee Donal Courtney (Ireland) and ex-international player Martyn Wood (England), reviewed all evidence, including video footage and submissions from both the player and World Rugby.
The committee concluded that the tackle involved a high degree of danger due to its speed, force, and dynamic nature. With no mitigating factors available, the red card was upheld, leading to a four-match suspension, which was reduced to three matches following successful completion of the Coaching Intervention program.
As a result, Tawake will miss Fiji’s remaining matches at the tournament. Under World Rugby rules, this decision is final, with no right of appeal.
