Nepo Laulala banned after dangerous tackle incident

Former All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala has been suspended for three matches following a dangerous shoulder-to-head tackle in a recent Premiership Rugby Cup match while playing for Gloucester.

Independent disciplinary panel reviewed the incident—captured on video—and judged it merited a red card, leading to the ban.

The 34-year-old was cited after making shoulder contact with the head of a Bristol prop Scott Kirk.

While he was not penalised during the match, the post-game review resulted in a three-match suspension. The ban can be reduced to two matches if Laulala completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

He will now miss Gloucester’s upcoming fixture against Harlequins on 29th November and a subsequent European Champions Cup match against Castres in the following weekend.