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Ollie Sapsford Suspended

An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has met to consider the red card issued to Ollie Sapsford (Australia A) during the Japan XV v Australia A match played on Saturday 18 October 2025.

The FPRC chaired by Wang Shao-ing (Singapore) joined by former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania) and former player Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand) met on Sunday 19 October to consider the player’s case.

Ollie Sapsford has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention, after the Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card received for a Law 9.11 offence (a player must not do anything reckless or dangerous) during Australia A’s match against Japan XV at Yodoko Sakura Stadium, Osaka on 18 September 2025. The sanction was accepted by the player.

In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance of the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.

The FPRC has the power to:

  • Issue a warning
  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
  • Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
  • Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity

In determining the sanction for Sapsford, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play had occurred but not that the offence warranted a red card. On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee upheld the red card and decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of six matches. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a final sanction of three matches. This will be reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme.

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