A Former All Black centre has been suspended for three matches following a dangerous tackle during Benetton’s 43-0 defeat to Edinburgh in Round 4 of the URC on Friday, 17 October.

The citing commissioner reported Malakai Fekitoa for an act of foul play in the 43rd minute, under Law 9.13, which prohibits early, late or dangerous tackles – including any contact above the line of the shoulders.

The incident involved a no-arms tackle on Edinburgh flyhalf Cammy Scott, who was forced off the field for a head injury assessment.

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A disciplinary panel comprising Ben Rutherford (chair, Ireland), Neil Snellenburg SC (South Africa) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) reviewed the case and determined that the offence met the red card threshold, warranting a six-game suspension at a mid-range entry point.

Fekitoa’s ban was reduced to three matches after the panel applied 50% mitigation, citing his clean disciplinary record, visible remorse, and “exemplary conduct during the disciplinary process.”

If the 33-year-old completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme, his suspension could be further reduced by one week.

The Tonga-born midfielder made his name with the Blues and Highlanders, earning 24 Test caps for the All Blacks between 2014 and 2017 and playing a key role in New Zealand’s 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph.

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After leaving New Zealand, Fekitoa had stints with Toulon, Wasps, and Munster before joining Benetton in 2023.

Photo: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images