Australia winger Marika Koroibete appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link, having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) in Australia’s international match against France on 17 July, 2021.
The independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Helen Morgan (New Zealand), joined by former players Mike Mika (New Zealand) and Chris Smith (New Zealand), heard the case, considering all the available evidence, including multiple broadcast angles and submissions from the player and his representative.
The player Marika Koroibete admitted to technically committing an act of foul play worthy of a red card. Having reviewed all the evidence, the committee deemed that Koroibete’s tackle on French loose-forward Anthony Jelonch initially made shoulder to shoulder contact in the fifth minute of the game. Subsequently, through the impact, any contact to the chest and neck was incidental by Koroibete. Therefore, World Rugby’s Head Contact Process was not met due to mitigating factors, and the act of the foul play was secondary.
On that basis, the committee did not uphold the red card and the player is free to play again immediately.
Click here to watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works.
Visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here.
World Rugby is managing the communications for all matches in the July test window. Please contact Dominic Rumbles for further information.
