Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop Mesake Doge has received a formal warning from the Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee due to foul play. This action follows Doge’s involvement in a dangerous play incident during a match against the Western Force, resulting in a 52-15 defeat for the Drua.
The incident occurred in the closing moments of the game when Doge made significant contact with Force captain Jeremy Williams while entering a ruck. The Citing Commissioner deemed the tackle serious enough to meet the Red Card threshold; however, the Foul Play Review Committee concluded that Doge’s actions were not intentional and avoided issuing a red card.
In positive news for both Doge and the Drua, he is not facing any further penalties and is set to participate in their upcoming match against the Crusaders in Suva on April 5th.
This situation underscores the increasing emphasis on player safety within rugby, a focus that has heightened in recent seasons. Similar instances have emerged, reflecting a league-wide commitment to enforcing safety protocols, as seen with other players like Motikiai Murray of the Drua.
While moments like these can present challenges for teams, they also serve as opportunities for players to learn and improve. Fans eagerly anticipate how Doge will respond to this setback as the Drua prepare to compete against a formidable rival, the Crusaders. The team’s resilience and ability to navigate such challenges can foster a more cohesive and focused squad on the field.
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