Peato Mauvaka Banned Three Matches for Headbutt on Ben White

France hooker Peato Mauvaka has been suspended for three matches due to a flying headbutt on Scotland's Ben White during a Six Nations match, which ended in a 35-16 victory for France. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was reviewed, and although it was deemed non-dangerous at the time, the citing was upheld under Law 9.12 for foul play. An independent Disciplinary Committee determined that Mauvaka's actions warranted an entry point of six weeks but halved the ban to three matches due to mitigating factors such as his remorse and clean record. Critics, including Scotland's coach Gregor Townsend and former players, have expressed dissatisfaction with the initial decision not to upgrade the yellow card to a red, arguing that the incident was more serious than acknowledged. Mauvaka will miss two Top 14 matches and a Champions Cup game as a result of the suspension. The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked discussions about the adequacy of officiating in rugby.