In a twist that feels more like a plot from a sports drama than reality, former All Blacks star Malakai Fekitoa has landed himself a three-match suspension. The reason? A dangerous tackle that looked more suited to a wrestling ring than a rugby field, during a particularly heated Benetton versus Edinburgh showdown in the URC. The match itself ended in a whopping 43-0 defeat for Benetton, but it's Fekitoa's rogue rugby move in the 43rd minute that's stealing the headlines.
The tackle in question was on Edinburgh's flyhalf Cammy Scott, who had to leave the pitch for a head injury assessment thanks to Fekitoa's no-arms approach. Under rugby law 9.13, which reads like a strict no-nonsense school rule—no early, late, or dangerous tackles, especially those above the shoulder—Fekitoa's move was flagged immediately for foul play.
The aftermath saw a disciplinary panel including Ben Rutherford, Neil Snellenburg SC, and Stefan Terblanche comb through the incident and slap a potential six-game suspension on Fekitoa, which was later halved thanks to his squeaky-clean past and some genuine remorse.
"Fekitoa's exemplary conduct during the disciplinary process was a key factor in reducing his suspension,"
noted the panel, showcasing that even in the heat of the game, character counts.
There's a silver lining yet for Fekitoa. If he undergoes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme, he might shave off another week from his ban. This isn't just a timeout; it's a learning opportunity, a chance to turn a misstep into a teachable moment—not just for Fekitoa, but for players everywhere who might think twice before launching into a risky tackle.
Since his debut, Fekitoa has been something of a rugby nomad. After making a name for himself with the Blues and Highlanders and notching up 24 Test caps with the All Blacks, including a stint in New Zealand's victorious 2015 World Cup team, he's bounced from Toulon to Wasps, then Munster, and landed at Benetton in 2023. Each jersey a new chapter, but this latest might need a few edits before it's a story he'll want to retell.
As the rugby world watches how Fekitoa handles his suspension, it's a stark reminder that in rugby, as in life, it's not just about how you play the game, but also how you handle the setbacks. And perhaps, this is just another tackle Fekitoa will learn to master.
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In a twist that feels more like a plot from a sports drama than reality, former All Blacks star Malakai Fekitoa has landed himself a three-match suspension. The reason? A dangerous tackle that looked more suited to a wrestling ring than a rugby field, during a particularly heated Benetton versus Edinburgh showdown in the URC. The match itself ended in a whopping 43-0 defeat for Benetton, but it's Fekitoa's rogue rugby move in the 43rd minute that's stealing the headlines.
The tackle in question was on Edinburgh's flyhalf Cammy Scott, who had to leave the pitch for a head injury assessment thanks to Fekitoa's no-arms approach. Under rugby law 9.13, which reads like a strict no-nonsense school rule—no early, late, or dangerous tackles, especially those above the shoulder—Fekitoa's move was flagged immediately for foul play.
The aftermath saw a disciplinary panel including Ben Rutherford, Neil Snellenburg SC, and Stefan Terblanche comb through the incident and slap a potential six-game suspension on Fekitoa, which was later halved thanks to his squeaky-clean past and some genuine remorse.
"Fekitoa's exemplary conduct during the disciplinary process was a key factor in reducing his suspension,"
noted the panel, showcasing that even in the heat of the game, character counts.There's a silver lining yet for Fekitoa. If he undergoes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme, he might shave off another week from his ban. This isn't just a timeout; it's a learning opportunity, a chance to turn a misstep into a teachable moment—not just for Fekitoa, but for players everywhere who might think twice before launching into a risky tackle.
Since his debut, Fekitoa has been something of a rugby nomad. After making a name for himself with the Blues and Highlanders and notching up 24 Test caps with the All Blacks, including a stint in New Zealand's victorious 2015 World Cup team, he's bounced from Toulon to Wasps, then Munster, and landed at Benetton in 2023. Each jersey a new chapter, but this latest might need a few edits before it's a story he'll want to retell.
As the rugby world watches how Fekitoa handles his suspension, it's a stark reminder that in rugby, as in life, it's not just about how you play the game, but also how you handle the setbacks. And perhaps, this is just another tackle Fekitoa will learn to master.