Independent Disciplinary Update:  Sekope Kepu Decision

The Match Commissioner has reported that there was an inappropriate action towards the match officials by Sekope Kepu, a coach of the SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS after the match between SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS vs HINO RED DOLPHINS held on 10 May 2025. 

This is to inform that in accordance with Article 31 (Match Commissioner) of the JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE ‘Official Match Guidelines 2024-25’ and the ‘Disciplinary Guidelines’, the Judicial Officer conducted a hearing with the coach and decided to apply the following sanctions.

■Regulation 18 (MISCONDUCT AND CODE OF CONDUCT): Details of the Incident

Player:  Sekope Kepu 

Team: SHIMIZU KOTO BLUE SHARKS 

Date of Incident: 10 May 2025

Nature of Offence: Appendix. 1.10, 1.11

Regulation 17 Appendix. 1 9.28

Regulation 18.10.1 (c)

Sanctions: 6 matches (weeks)

* Including any on-field activities and watching the game from the bleachers (D2/3-P/R match 1st and 2nd match and other 4 to be decided)

The Act and Elapsed time in match when incident occurred:  

The coach told match officials something disrespectful to their decisions after the match

【References】
JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE “Official Match Guidelines 2024-25” (JP only)
https://league-one.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/file/menu/11248_6724a704ea4a2.pdf
Japan Rugby Football Union “Regulation of Sanctions for Foul Play” (JP only)
https://rugby-japan.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/file/html/169467_6560879583b90.pdf
World Rugby　Regulation17 DISCIPLINE - FOUL PLAY
https://www.world.rugby/organisation/governance/regulations/reg-17