Independent disciplinary update: Tanya Kalounivale (New Zealand)
New Zealand's Tanya Kalounivale will face a full disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, 14 April, following the red card issued for a Law 9.20(b) offence (contact above the shoulders in a ruck) during the Pacific Four Series 2026 match between USA and New Zealand in Sacramento on Saturday.
An independent Foul Play Review Committee chaired by Wang Shao-ing (Singapore), joined by former referees Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Wayne Erickson (Australia), reviewed the red card and decided to refer the matter to a full Disciplinary Committee for a hearing in accordance with World Rugby's expedited off-field sanction process trial.
The hearing will take place on Tuesday, 14 April.
Editors' notes:
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
Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.