Independent Disciplinary Update: Epineri Uluiviti Decision

A red card was issued to Epineri Uluiviti of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars by a referee at the match between TOKYO SUNTORY SUNGOLIATH and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars held on 7 March 2026.

This is to inform that in accordance with Article 34 (Judicial and Citing) of the JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE ‘Official Match Guidelines 2025-26’ and the Japan Rugby Football Union ‘Regulation of Sanctions for Foul Play’, the Judicial Officer conducted a hearing with the player and decided to apply the following sanctions.

■Regulation 17 (DISCIPLINE - FOUL PLAY): Details of the Incident

Player: Epineri Uluiviti

Team: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars 

Date of Incident: 7 March 2026

Nature of Offence: 

Law 9.20(d) –  A player may remove the jackler from the tackle area by pushing/driving them backwards (including by grabbing the knee/leg), but must not roll, pull or twist an opponent.

Law 9.20(e) –  A player must not drop their weight onto an opponent or target the lower limbs.

Sanctions: 2 weeks (matches) Suspension (Rd 11-12)

The Act: The act by the player in question of wrapping both arms around the abdomen of TOKYO SG No. 20 and twisting him to the left to clear him out

Elapsed time in match when incident occurred: 39:00 into the 2nd half

【References】
JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE “Official Match Guidelines 2025-26” (JP only)

https://league-one.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/file/menu/17338_693ba388aee09.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