Fiji's Mesake Doge free to play after sending off overturned

Fiji prop Mesake Doge has been cleared to play after having a red card rescinded following an appeal hearing.

Doge appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee on 17 September after being sent off for dangerous tackling during Fiji’s Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup match against Canada on 14 September.

A Foul Play Review Committee had initially proposed a four-match suspension, reduced to three with the completion of a Coaching Intervention. Doge did not accept the sanction, and the case was referred for a full hearing.

The hearing was chaired by Mike Heron KC (New Zealand) alongside former internationals Sarah Smith (Scotland) and Jamie Corsi (Wales). The panel reviewed additional video footage, submissions from the player and Fiji team representatives, and evidence relating to the incident.

The Committee agreed that foul play had occurred, with head contact and a high degree of danger, but found significant mitigation. It ruled that the actions of the Canadian ball carrier directly contributed to the situation. The forearm of the ball carrier struck Doge’s jaw, preventing him from dropping in height and instead causing him to rise into the collision.

Given what it described as the unusual nature of the circumstances, the Committee decided not to uphold the red card.

The 5’11, 122kg tighthead is free to play with immediate effect.