An independent citing committee has today concluded that Peato Mauvaka will be banned for three matches following his recent indiscretion against Scotland.
The French hooker appeared via video link on Thursday, March 20, after being cited for foul play under Law 9.12 during the Guinness Men’s Six Nations match between France and Scotland on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Should Peato Mauvaka have been shown red for this? 👀 #GuinnessM6N | #FRAvSCOpic.twitter.com/SOdzBMVRla
— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) March 15, 2025
The incident, in question, occurred during the final round of the 2025 Six Nations, when the 28-year-old appeared to launch himself into the head/neck area of Scotland scrumhalf Ben White.
At the time, the Toulouse star was only given a yellow card by referee Matthew Carley, before being reviewed off the field by the Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO), Ian Tempest. The initial verdict of a yellow card was upheld by Tempest, meaning that Mauvaka could return to play just 10 minutes later.
The results of the citation are now in, with the initial decision being overturned. Mauvaka is set to serve a ban of three matches, reduced from six due to his previously clean record.
A Statement released by the committee read:
“The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), joined by former international players John Langford (Australia) and Leon Lloyd (England).
“The Independent Disciplinary Committee has upheld the citing and by applying World Rugby’s sanctioning provisions, have determined that the low-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate. In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as other mitigating factors, which included his remorse, good conduct during the process, and previous clean record, the Independent Disciplinary Committee have applied the full 50% reduction in its sanction, thus reducing the final sanction to three weeks/matches, from the entry point of six weeks.”
The suspension will cover the following matches;
March 23rd, 2025 –Bordeaux Bègles vs Toulouse (Top 14)
March 29th, 2025 – Toulouse vs Pau (Top 14)
April 6th, 2025 – Toulouse vs Sale Sharks (Champions Cup, Round of 16)
Peato Mauvaka bio
Peato Mauvaka has become an integral figure for both Toulouse and France. The New Caledonia native comes in at 6-foot, 112kg powerhouse, which is the full package with elite pace, versatility, and the ability to operate a clinical work in the line-out.
Mauvaka has spent his entire senior career with Toulouse, where he’s amassed an impressive trophy cabinet, including three Top 14 titles and a Champions Cup victory. In January 2023, he reached a milestone of 100 matches for the club and remains under contract until 2026.
His international career has been just as impactful. Mauvaka earned his first cap for France in 2019 against Scotland and was a crucial part of their 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning squad. The 2023 Rugby World Cup marked Mauvaka’s debut in the tournament, where he stepped up in dramatic fashion, replacing Julien Marchand early in the opening match against New Zealand.
In 2024, Mauvaka played a pivotal role in Toulouse’s historic season double, which included a stunning Investec Champions Cup win over Leinster and a record-breaking Top 14 final victory over Bordeaux-Bègles.
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