Levani Ezieshvili (Georgia U20) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention, after the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) met on Friday, 3 July, 2026.

A Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) convened to consider the red card issued to Levani Ezieshvili for an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) during Georgia's World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 match against South Africa on 2 July, 2026.

The Foul Play Review Committee was chaired by Matthew Eason (USA), joined by former player Sarah Smith (Scotland) and former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

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 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:

  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 4 of Regulation 17
  • 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

In determining the sanction for Levani Ezieshvili, the FPRC found that there was head contact and while not intentional, the dangerous tackle was reckless and avoidable as the player was always upright. The committee found that the contact to the head was direct, with high force, and it was a dynamic tackle. The committee did not believe there were any mitigating circumstances to reduce it from a red card. The player had a good line of sight, there was no sudden or significant drop or movement, and the tackler had time to adjust his height and technique. On that basis the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a three match sanction (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention).

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  • 7 July, 2026 - Georgia U20 v Uruguay U20
  • 12/13 July, 2026 - Georgia U20 v TBC 
  • 17/18 July, 2026 - Georgia U20 v TBC*

*The player may become available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.