Super Rugby Pacific Judicial Update: Round 13

JONA NAREKI SUSPENDED FOR TWO WEEKS

The Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has found Highlanders outside back Jona Nareki guilty of a dangerous tackle in contravention of Law 9.13.

The tackle, for which Nareki received a red card, occurred in the 59th minute of last Saturday's match between the Highlanders and NSW Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

The FPRC determined that the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches.

In light of Nareki accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as mitigating factors such as his disciplinary record and remorse, the FPRC applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction.

Additionally the FPRC found that a three-week sanction would be disproportionate to the player's fault and the consequences, and opted to reduce the sanction to a total of two weeks.

*Nareki was also given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction.

Nareki has been suspended from all forms of the game for two weeks, which will apply to the following Super Rugby Pacific matches:

- Chiefs v Highlanders, Friday 15 May 2026

- Hurricanes v Highlanders, Saturday 23 May 2026*

KURTIS MACDONALD PROCEEDS TO JUDICIAL COMMITTEE HEARING

Following initial consideration by the FPRC, Crusaders winger Kurtis MacDonald opted to proceed his matter to a Super Rugby Pacific Judicial Committee Hearing on the evening of Tuesday 12 May.

MacDonald is facing a sanction for dangerous play (Law 9.17) after being issued a red card during last Friday's match between the Crusaders and Blues at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

A further update on this matter will be provided by 11am AEST / 1pm NZST Wednesday 13 May.