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JP Pietersen furious as Wales wing defends action that injured Bok Ethan Hooker
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Ospreys wing Luke Morgan has said that his attempted tackle, which resulted in South Africa and Sharks wing Ethan Hooker dislocating his shoulder, was “fully legal”.
The one-cap Wales wing has come under fire since the Ospreys’ 21-17 victory at Brewery Field on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship, as his attempted tackle on Hooker resulted in the Springbok being forced from the field.
The incident came seconds before the half time whistle as Hooker ran in a try from 70 metres out to narrow the hosts’ lead to 14-12 at the break. However, as he dived to ground the ball, Morgan also dived on him, resulting in a dislocated shoulder.
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The Welshman has since defended his actions on social media in a now-deleted comment, writing: “He clearly hasn’t scored until the ball is grounded. Therefore, because the ball wasn’t grounded means the ball is still in play and I am fully legal to make that tackle.”
That has been questioned by fans online, however, who have queried the legality of his actions.
Sorry mate, you’re wrong on the ‘ball in play’ point. Yes, the try isn’t scored until it’s grounded, but that doesn’t make the contact legal.
He’s already airborne and in a vulnerable position, and there’s no attempt to wrap, you can’t just drop onto him like that. By the time… pic.twitter.com/LOa4uqPX21
— Captain Springbok (@CaptSpringbok) April 20, 2026
Hooker’s injury not only had serious ramifications in the match, as the Sharks lost, but to their entire season.
The defeat means the Sharks now have a very slim chance of making the URC play-offs, as they trail the eighth-place Bulls by 11 points with only three matches remaining. Any attempt to close that gap will be hindered by the absence of the 2025 World Rugby breakthrough player of the year nominee.
While the Sharks have not outlined the extent of the injury, it now casts doubt on Hooker’s participation in South Africa’s Nations Championship fixtures in July against England, Scotland and Wales.
Sharks boss JP Pietersen said it was “very disappointing and frustrating” to lose the 23-year-old, and also questioned the legality of Morgan’s actions after the match.
“Ethan’s injury was a massive blow for us,” he said.
“After scoring a try, the rules say you are not supposed to dive on a player, and rules are there to protect players, and sadly, that did not happen.
“He dislocated his shoulder. He is a massive presence for us, and to lose him after the first half was very disappointing and frustrating.”
