‘I mean come on… It doesn’t make any sense’ – Rebels boss slams Fijian Drua bans

The Pacific Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) of Super Rugby has punished prop Jone Koroiduadua with a two-week suspension, a move that has angered Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote.

Foote criticized the committee’s determination that the headbutt from the Fijian Drua forward deserved a low entrance point, calling it “malicious.”

It doesn’t matter if he lands it or not.

Following scrum-half Frank Lomani’s dismissal for elbowing lock Josh Canham in the head during the Super Rugby Pacific match in Melbourne, Koroiduadua became the second Drua player to be sent off.

Instead of starting at the mid-range (10 weeks) or top-end (16 weeks) as per World Rugby’s criteria, the prop’s potential ban began at six weeks due to the decision to classify his acts as a low-entry sanction.

Foote was incensed by Koroiduadua’s suspension, even if he thought Lomani’s six-week ban was justified—especially in light of Reece Hodge’s two-week ban in 2021 following two yellow card incidents.

“It doesn’t matter if he lands it or not—there is intent there,” Foote said reporters.

Does it get worse if Mafi smacks him with his head forward at that point?

That is malevolent. According to what I understand, we have been taught that if you make any contact with the head, the suspension is at the very top. He also receives two weeks.

Foote emphasized more game-related incidents and stated that the Drua prop was on a “mission.”

“Koroiduadua has a mission to complete. Prior to the late hit on Carter [Gordon], there was an incident involving Ryan [Louwrens]. However, to blatantly headbutt on top of that—I mean, really?,” he continued.

The way his players answered

The coach recalled Hodge’s two-week suspension from the Wallabies in 2021 following two instances involving yellow cards.

“After a team foul and a yellow card, how can Hodgey receive a red card, which carries a two-week suspension, for that [headbutt]? It’s nonsensical,” Foote remarked.

Even though he was furious about the events throughout the game, he was happy with his players’ lack of response.

He told the players, “I told them how proud I was of them because there were a few incidents in that game.”

“I warned the players that it may cost us a season since everyone could be suspended at any time if they retaliate or do something foolish. I believe they performed fairly well.

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