Fiji international Bitila Tawake is set to face a full disciplinary hearing after refusing to accept a proposed two-match ban issued by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) following her red card during the Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B clash against Scotland.
The match, held at Salford Community Stadium, saw Tawake sent off for a dangerous tackle under Law 9.13.
The FPRC, chaired by Adam Casselden (Australia) and including former internationals John Langford (Australia) and Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand), convened the following day to review the incident.
The committee determined that Tawake had made a dangerous upright tackle on the Scottish ball carrier.
Although they found the act to be reckless rather than intentional, the Head Contact Process confirmed a “high degree of danger with no mitigating factors” that could reduce the severity of the offence.
“The committee upheld the red card and found that the actions were contrary to Law 9.13,” a World Rugby statement said.
“The mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches was applied. With full 50% mitigation, the proposed sanction was reduced to three matches and further down to two upon successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.”
However, Tawake did not accept the proposed sanction, arguing the offence did not warrant a red card.
As a result, the matter has now been referred to a full in-person disciplinary hearing before a Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to sit in the coming days.
Tawake’s hearing will determine whether the red card and subsequent suspension stand, are reduced, or possibly dismissed.