Huge backlash as World Rugby issue 'warning' to Tu’ungafasi over Grosso tackle

World Rugby has come in for some stinging criticism over independent Citing Commissioner Freek Burger’s decision to issue All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi with just a warning over the tackle on France winger Remy Grosso.

Former Wales international Jonathan Davies branded the decision “clueless”.

Tu’ungafasi insisted he never intended to hurt Grosso in a tackle that left the France wing with a double facial fracture.

Grosso, who scored France’s only try, came off in the second half following a tackle by Sam Cane and Tu’ungafasi.

Cane’s arm appeared to make contact with the head of Grosso, who was then hit in the face by Tu’ungafasi’s shoulder as he went to the ground.

A press release from World Rugby said “Having reviewed all available camera angles, the Citing Commissioner considered Ofa Tu’ungafasi to have executed a dangerous tackle “just short of” red card level (in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 17), which caused injury to France winger Remy Grosso.

“In considering the mechanics of the incident, the Citing Commissioner determined that there were mitigating factors which prevented the conduct from reaching the red card level in his opinion. These included Remy Grosso’s body position lowering as he went into contact with Sam Cane, who effected the tackle initially, immediately before Ofa Tu’ungafasi joined a dynamic tackle situation.

“As a result, the independent Citing Commissioner issued a Citing Commissioner Warning – issued for acts of foul play that are viewed by the Citing Commissioner to come close to but do not warrant the player receiving a red card.

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“In respect of the tackle by Sam Cane, the Citing Commissioner agreed with the on-field action taken by the referee to issue a penalty against him, and therefore no further action was warranted in relation to Sam Cane.

Fans were quick to criticise the World Rugby over the decision, one stating on Twitter “As usual one set of rules for ABs and another set of rules for the rest of the world. Players’ welfare anyone ?”

https://twitter.com/unofshl/status/1006570784578588673

https://twitter.com/LaetitiaRebx/status/1006581451696082947

Absolutely appalling . You have failed to protect players and importantly what message does it send to those younger players

— nick stallard (@StallardNick) June 12, 2018

Sorry but this is plain wrong.. All Blacks need to take ownership of this situation and suspend him.. their credibility hangs in the balance here.. over to you Hansen.

— Gus Hall (@Gushall44) June 12, 2018

France head coach Jacques Brunel first described the incident as both “dangerous” and “illegal,” but has since retracted his statements after reviewing the tackle further.

“On the first image, I said illicit. On the second, I think it’s accidental. Although, in the same vein I think Gabrillagues’ yellow card is hard,” he told French website Rugbyrama.

Grosso has fractured his face in two places and will play no further part in the tour.

Posting on Twitter, an apologetic Tu’ungafasi wrote: “Remy, I hope you’re recovering well. It was a physical game and it wasn’t my intention to hurt you.

“I’m also gutted that I didn’t get to see u after the game and u weren’t well for me to visit u in hospital this morning [Sunday] before we left but I hope to catch up soon brother.”

New Zealand won the first Test at Eden Park 52-11, though France had led 11-8 at the break, the game turning on Paul Gabrillagues’ controversial yellow card.

Remy, I hope you're recovering well. It was a physical game and it wasn't my intention to hurt you. I'm also gutted that I didn't get to see u after the game and u weren't well for me to visit u in hospital this morning before we left but I hope to catch up soon brother.???? pic.twitter.com/De803BCtgw

— Ofa Tuungafasi (@TuungafasiO) June 10, 2018

In other news: Australia gear up for second Ireland Test