Independent Disciplinary Update: Tomohiro Takeda Decision

Tomohiro Takeda of the MAZDA SKYACTIVS HIROSHIMA has been suspended for four weeks due to the foul play during the match between MAZDA SKYACTIVS HIROSHIMA and Yakult Levins Toda held on 7 February 2026.

Mazda Skyactives Hiroshima lodged an appeal against the original decision, and a re-examination was conducted.

In accordance with Article 34 of the Japan Rugby League One 2025–26 Season Official Competition Regulations and the Japan Rugby Football Union’s ‘Regulations Concerning Sanctions for Unfair Play’, a hearing was held by the Appeals Committee. We hereby announce that the sanction has been amended as follows.

■ Updated decision

Sanctions: No additional sanctions (The red card not upheld)

*Following a review by the Appeals Committee, it was determined that head contact had occurred.

After re-examining the incident in accordance with World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, it was concluded that the incident did not warrant a red card, and no further sanctions were imposed.

■ The decision before change (As of 12 February)

Player:  Tomohiro Takeda

Team: MAZDA SKYACTIVS HIROSHIMA

Date of Incident: 7 February 2026

Nature of Offence:

Law 9.13－A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. 

Sanctions: 4 weeks (matches) Suspension (Rd 7-10)

The Act: The player’s head made direct contact with the head of the victim player (No. 7  of L TODA) during a high tackle.

Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 20:00