Chumisa Qawe has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention, after the Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card received for a Law 9.13 offence (dangerous tackle) during South Africa's Pool D match against France at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton on 7 September, 2025.
The FPRC chaired by Stephen Hardy (Australia) joined by former players Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Ofisa Tonu'u (New Zealand) met on Monday, 8 September to consider the player's case.
In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance of the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.
The FPRC has the power to:
- Issue a warning
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
- Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
- Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity
In determining the sanction for Qawe, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play occurred, and accepted that the offence warranted a red card. On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a final sanction of three matches. This will be reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.
The player has accepted the sanction.
