Kuruvoli handed four-game ban for kicking Genge in Fiji's 73-8 rout by England

Simione Kuruvoli has been handed a four-game suspension after a disciplinary committee found the Fijian halfback guilty of physical abuse for kicking England prop Ellis Genge during Fiji’s 73-8 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend.

The incident occurred in the 42nd minute when Kuruvoli was spotted kicking Genge in the chest as he left a breakdown. Replay footage showed Genge had initially held Kuruvoli back but had already released him by the time Kuruvoli lashed out and struck the prop’s body. Referee Holly Davidson reviewed the footage and issued a permanent red card.

The red card compounded a miserable afternoon for Fiji, who were already trailing 35-3 when Kuruvoli was dismissed and were forced to play the entire second half with 14 men. A Fijian try scored moments after the incident was also disallowed as a direct consequence of the foul play.

The disciplinary committee ruled Kuruvoli guilty of “physical abuse in contravention of Law 9.12”, setting an entry point of eight games. However, after the 27-year-old accepted his guilt and the committee considered his disciplinary record, conduct, and remorse, a full 50 per cent reduction was applied, reducing the ban to four matches.

Kuruvoli will miss Fiji’s Test against Scotland on 18 July 2026, as well as three Top 14 fixtures for his club RC Vannes: away at Castres Olympique on 5 September, at home to Montpellier on 12 September, and at home to Toulouse on 19 September 2026.