NZ Rugby
Yellow card

Disciplinary rules and decisions

Discipline is one of the core values of rugby around the world. New Zealand Rugby recognises rugby’s intensely physical characteristics. Our disciplinary framework ensures firm boundaries are set for players and that the game is as safe and fair as possible for all players.

World Rugby Law 9 sets out what constitutes foul play in rugby, such as a high or dangerous tackle, and the on-field sanction that can be applied during the game. 

When foul play has occurred, World Rugby Regulation 17 governs how this foul play is handled off the field. For example, where a red card is issued it may end up before an independent judicial committee. Our NZR Disciplinary Rules have been developed to ensure compliance with World Rugby Regulation 17. 

Each offence under Law 9 has specific low end, mid-range and top end sanction entry points attached to it, known as the Sanction Table. NZR is required by World Rugby to adopt this table in full. The Sanction Table can be viewed at Section 9 of the NZR Disciplinary Rules.

The independent Duty Judicial Officer, Judicial Officer or Judicial Committee reaches a final sanction based on the sanction entry point, an assessment of any mitigating or aggravating circumstances and knowledge of other cases.

On this page, all disciplinary hearing decisions of the NZR Judicial Panel from 2025 onwards are listed. Over time, decisions from previous years will be uploaded.

Disciplinary outcomes

  • 2026
    Date of match Team Player Tournament Offence Sanction Documents

  • 2025
    Date of match Team Player Tournament Offence Sanction Documents
    27 September 2025 West Coast Mitchell Tapp Heartland Championship Law 9.11 – Reckless or dangerous play 5 weeks Decision infographic (PDF, 226 KB)
    13 September 2025 Pōneke U85 Pasia Asiata National U85 Club Cup Law 9.12 – Physical or verbal abuse Red Card sufficient
    6 September 2025 North Otago Mateo Qolisese Heartland Championship Law 9.12 – Physical or verbal abuse 3 weeks Decision infographic (PDF, 227 KB)
    31 August 2025 Waikato Finau Mafi Farah Palmer Cup Law 9.13 – Dangerous tackle 3 weeks Decision infographic (PDF, 227 KB)
    3 August 2025 Tasman Josh Te Hira National Provincial Championship Law 9.11 – Reckless or dangerous play
    Law 9.20 –Dangerous play in a ruck or maul    		 3 weeks
    6 April 2025 Chiefs Manawa Chyna Hohepa Super Rugby Aupiki Law 9.12 – Physical or verbal abuse 3 weeks
    6 April 2025 Chiefs Manawa Kate Henwood Super Rugby Aupiki Law 9.13 – Dangerous tackle Warning (“Yellow Card”) issued