FIJI Water Flying Fijians halfback Simione Kuruvoli has been handed a four-match suspension for an act of physical abuse that resulted in a red card against England last Sunday.
Kuruvoli was seen kicking England prop Ellis Genge in the chest as he left a breakdown in the 42nd minute of Fiji's 73-8 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Replay footage showed Genge had initially held Kuruvoli back, but had released the halfback by the time Kuruvoli retaliated and kicked the prop in the chest.
After reviewing the footage, referee Holly Davidson issued a permanent red card, leaving Fiji, who were already trailing 35-3, to play the entire second half with 14 men.
To make matters worse, a try Fiji scored moments after the incident was ruled out.
Following a disciplinary hearing this week, the committee found Kuruvoli guilty of physical abuse in contravention of Law 9.12.
The offence carries a starting sanction of an eight-match suspension.
The 27-year-old admitted the foul play, and after considering his disciplinary record, conduct, and remorse, the committee applied the maximum 50 percent reduction, reducing the suspension to four matches.
Kuruvoli will miss Fiji's Test against Scotland this Sunday, as well as RC Vannes' Top 14 fixtures against Castres Olympique on 5th September, Montpellier on 12th September, and Toulouse on 19th September.
Source: RugbyPass
