Fijiana XV forward Bulou Vasuturaga will miss the remainder of Fiji’s pool matches at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 after being suspended for a dangerous tackle.
The Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) handed down the ruling after reviewing the red card Vasuturaga received during Fiji’s clash with Canada at York Community Stadium on August 24.
Vasuturaga was cited under Law 9.13 for a dangerous tackle that involved direct shoulder-to-head contact with significant force.
The FPRC determined that her actions were reckless and carried a high degree of danger, concluding that the red card decision was correct.
In its judgment, the committee noted that while Vasuturaga accepted she committed foul play, she did not agree that the incident warranted a sending-off.
After reviewing video footage and submissions, the panel ruled the offence merited the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches.
However, with full mitigation applied, the sanction was reduced to three games, with the possibility of a further reduction to two matches if Vasuturaga successfully completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention programme.
As a result, the Fijiana enforcer will sit out Fiji’s remaining pool fixtures, dealing a major blow to coach Inoke Male’s squad as they seek to progress to the knockout rounds.
The FPRC, chaired by Adam Casselden (Australia) alongside former internationals Jamie Corsi (Wales) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), emphasised its commitment to upholding player safety while balancing fairness in disciplinary outcomes.