An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) convened to consider the red cards issued to Samoa’s Tuna Tuitama (Law 9.20(a)) and Fiji’s Mesake Doge (Fiji) (Law 9.13) during their respective Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup matches on Sunday, 14 September, 2025.

Winger Tuna Tuitama was issued with a red card by the match referee following a review by the foul play review officer of an action contrary to Law 9.20(a) (charging into a ruck or maul) during Samoa’s match against USA.

Front rower Mesake Doge was issued with a red card by the match referee following a review by the foul play review officer of an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) during Fiji’s match against Canada.

The Foul Player Review Committee (FPRC), chaired by Brian Conway (Canada), joined by Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), reviewed the cases and proposed a three-match sanction for Tuitama (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) and a four-match sanction for Doge (reduced to three on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme).

Tuitama has accepted the proposed sanction from the FPRC which takes effect immediately. In relation to Doge, the player has not accepted the proposed sanction from the FPRC, and the matter will now be heard by a Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025.

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

Tuna Tuitama (Samoa)

In determining foul play, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play occurred, but not that it warranted a red card. The Committee found that the player’s actions were reckless and that the player made direct, forceful head contact with USA number four, that his actions amounted to a high degree of danger and that no mitigation applied. The red card was therefore upheld.

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 for offending which occurs under the Head Contact Process. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a proposed final sanction of three matches, to be reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme should the player wish to apply for it.

It was therefore proposed that he is suspended for Samoa’s Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 play-off matches against Chile on 20 and 27 September, and Manuma v New Zealand Heartlands on 4 November, 2025. The final match to be substituted if the player applies for and successfully completes the coaching intervention programme.

The player accepted the proposed sanction, which takes effect immediately.

Mesake Doge (Fiji)

In determining foul play, the FPRC found that the player’s actions were reckless. The Committee found that the player made direct head contact with Canada number eight, that his actions amounted to a high degree of danger and that no mitigation applied. The red card was therefore upheld.

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 for offending which occurs under the Head Contact Process. The committee did not award full 50 per cent mitigation due to the non-acceptance of foul play by the player, but allowed a reduction of two games, resulting in a proposed final sanction of four matches, to be reduced to three on successful completion of the coaching intervention program should the player wish to apply for it.

It was therefore proposed that Doge is suspended for Fiji’s final match of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup against Japan on 20 September, 2025 and three of his upcoming domestic matches.

The player did not accept the proposed sanction, and the matter will now be heard by a Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025.