Former All Black centre George Moala may be set to miss Tonga’s opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Moala was shone a red card for a dangerous tackle on Canadian midfielder Ben LeSage, in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match.
Referee Jordan Way sent Moala to the stands shortly after the action was re-started in second half. You can watch the offense in the video shown below, after the incident began circulating around social media. If Moala receives a three match ban for the dangerous tackle, he will miss Tonga’s opening Rugby World Cup match against Ireland.
Tonga saw of their North American opponents with a relatively routine 28-3 victory, with Moala’s suspension being the talking point of the game. The centre will likely miss out on the Sea Eagles’ return fixture against Canada, with his Rugby World Cup future hanging in the balance.
Tonga have been drawn into the ‘Pool of Death’ for their trip to France, as they take on Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Romania.