An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has convened to consider sanctions for Melina Grace Salale (SAM) and Bulou Vasuturaga (FIJ) as a result of red cards issued during the Samoa v Australia and Canada v Fiji Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 matches on Saturday 23 August, respectively.
The FPRC chaired by Adam Casselden (Australia), and joined by former players Jamie Corsi (Wales) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) met on Sunday, 24 August, 2025 to consider both players’ cases.
Bulou Vasuturaga (Fiji) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention, after the Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card received for a Law 9.13 offence (dangerous tackle) during Fiji's match against Canada at York Community Stadium, York on 23 August, 2025. The sanction was accepted by the player.
Separately, The Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card issued to Melina Grace Salale (Samoa) for a Law 9.13 offence (dangerous tackle) during Samoa's match against Canada in Salford Community Stadium, Manchester on Saturday, 23 August, 2025. The FPRC proposed a sanction of three matches reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention. This sanction was not accepted by the player and the matter will be considered by a Disciplinary Committee for a full in-person hearing which will take place on Monday, 25 August, 2025.
In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance of the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.
The FPRC has the power to:
- Issue a warning
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
- Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
- Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity
Bulou Vasuturaga (Fiji)
In determining the sanction for Vasuturaga, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play occurred, but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card. The committee reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, and determined that Vasuturaga's actions were contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) and that her actions were reckless and that there was direct contact by the Player’s right shoulder to the victim player’s head with a high degree of force. The FPRC found that these facts amounted to a high degree of danger and therefore that the red card was warranted.
On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a final sanction of three matches. This will be reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.
Vasuturaga is therefore suspended for the remainder of Fiji's Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 pool matches.
Melina Grace Salale (Samoa)
In determining the sanction for Salale, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play occurred but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card. The committee reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, and determined that Salale's actions were contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) and that her actions were reckless, that there was direct head on head contact between the Player and the victim player with a high degree of force. The Player came from distance and at speed to affect the tackle and therefore lost her ability to properly control her actions. Accordingly, there was a high degree of danger pursuant to the Head Contact Process (HCP) with no mitigation.
On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a final sanction of three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.
Salale has decided not to accept the sanction proposed by the FPRC and the matter has therefore been referred to a full disciplinary hearing. The Disciplinary Committee will sit on Monday, 25 August, 2025.
Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.
