Drua star Frank Lomani handed a six-match suspension for elbowing rival player

Fijian Drua scrum-half Frank Lomani has received a six-match suspension for elbowing an opponent in the head during last weekend’s match, while his teammate Jone Koroiduadua will be sidelined for two games due to a headbutt executed in the same match.

The dismissal of both players proved catastrophic for the Drua, who squandered a significant 12-point lead, eventually losing to the Melbourne Rebels with a score of 41-20 last Friday.

Lomani faced a harsher penalty from the judiciary after he forcefully drove his elbow into the back of Josh Canham’s head, resulting in a noticeable cut on Canham.

“The victim was in a very vulnerable position with little to no ability to defend themselves,” stated the ruling.

“In issuing the penalty, the foul play review committee underscored that such actions are completely unacceptable in any facet of the sport.”

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The judiciary opted for a lighter sanction for Koroiduadua due to the lesser impact of his headbutt on Alex Mafi in the 75th minute, as Mafi emerged uninjured.

Meanwhile, tournament officials are looking into reports of alleged racial abuse aimed at Lomani from the Melbourne crowd as he exited the pitch following the red card incident.

Following this week’s bye, the team will prepare to host the Wellington Hurricanes in Suva on April 19.