This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
On the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup, officials came under fire for their handling of a tackle by Australia's Reece Hodge on Fiji's Peceli Yato.
On September 21, 2019, Hodge blocked Yato from scoring a try in the 26th minute of Australia's 39-21 win over Fiji with a shoulder-led, no-arms challenge to the head that left the Fijian with concussion.
Former top referee Jonathan Kaplan questioned the decision, stating, 'Going into this tournament World Rugby have been very clear about contact with the head and what constitutes a red card under their new High Tackle Sanction framework.' He added, 'With that in mind I have absolutely no idea why Reece Hodge was not sent off for his tackle on Fiji’s Peceli Yato.'
Although no on-field action was taken against Hodge, he could still face a ban after being cited for an act of foul play, with a disciplinary hearing to take place at a later date.
