Fiji international to miss World Cup with six-match ban

Josh McAllister
Taane Milne Fiji World Cup

Fiji international Taane Milne is set to miss the entire World Cup campaign in England due to a potential six-match ban. 

The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger was sent off for a high shot during the club’s 32-12 finals defeat to Penrith Panthers.

Milne, 27, is facing a six-game ban for a high shot on a charging Spencer Leniu in the second half. He was sent off by official Ashley Klein. 

He received a grade two reckless high tackle charge by the Match Review Committee and an early guilty plea would see him cop a six-match ban.

It means he would miss the World Cup campaign for Fiji. They will feature in Group B of the Men’s tournament alongside Australia, Italy and Scotland.

He could receive a seven game suspension if he challenges and is found guilty at the judiciary.

Milne has won nine caps for Fiji since making his debut in 2017, and also represented the side at the World Cup 9s in Australia in 2019.

Tonga suffer Jason Taumalolo disciplinary blow ahead of World Cup

Tonga have suffered a blow ahead of the World Cup with forward Jason Taumalolo facing a three-match suspension.

The 29-year-old was sent to the sin-bin during North Queensland Cowboys’ finals defeat to Parramatta Eels. Taumalolo was penalised for a high shot on opposition and New Zealand international back-rower Isaiah Papali’i during the first half.

He now faces a three-match suspension after being charged by the NRL match review committee with grade two dangerous contact.

Meanwhile, John Bateman is set to miss England’s World Cup opener against Samoa. Wales’ Gil Dudson is set to miss out on a place in John Kear’s squad following his three-match ban.

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