Kalounivale was sent off during the Pacific Four Series 2026 match between USA and New Zealand in Sacramento on Saturday for a Law 9.20(b) offence (contact above the shoulders in the ruck).

In line with World Rugby’s expedited off-field sanction process, the matter was automatically reviewed by an independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) on Monday, 13 April, chaired by Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore), joined by former international referees, Donal Courtney (Ireland), and Wayne Erickson (Australia). The FPRC decided to refer the matter for a full disciplinary hearing.

The independent Disciplinary Committee met on 14 April to consider the matter. The committee was chaired by Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), joined by former international referees Valeriu Toma (Romania), and Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina).

Having reviewed the available footage and additional angles, the Committee determined that the action did not warrant a red card. The Committee found that there was not a high degree of danger in the action and therefore, under the Head Contact Process, a red card should not have been issued.

The player is therefore free to play.

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 citing only in the case of mistaken identity

Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.

Read the full guide to the off-field sanction process here.