Australia’s Reece Hodge has been suspended three games because of a dangerous tackle—no wrap and high—in his team's game against Fiji on September 21.

The hit came while Fiji was attacking in the 25th minute of a game that saw Fiji lead into the second half. Peceli Yato was knocked out of the game as a result, severely hampering Fiji's momentum. Australia would go on to win the game.

Fiji, Australia Coach Have A Row Over Hodge's Tackle

An independent disciplinary committee, chaired by Nigel Hampton QC of New Zealand, former international coach Frank Hadden of Scotland, and former referee José Luis Rolandi of Argentina, viewed all the available broadcast angles of the incident, which resulted in Fiji’s Peceli Yato requiring a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

The committee looked at multiple broadcast angles and submissions from Hodge and his legal representative, and deemed that the incident was an act of foul play and warranted a red card in line with the high tackle sanction framework. 

In following the framework, the committee determined:

• There was an act of foul play (which was reckless, rather than deliberate)
• The act of foul play was a high tackle
• There was contact with the head
• There was a high degree of danger

With all of that in mind, the committee determined that the act of foul play warranted a red card. This ruling carries a minimum six-match suspension, but the committee took into account Hodge's good disciplinary record, his character, and how he conducted himself after the incident, and reduced the sanction to three matches.

This means he will be available for selection in the knockout rounds of the World Cup should Australia qualify.

The suspension will end at midnight on 11 October, 2019 after which he is free to resume playing.

Hodge has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours of receiving the written decision.