Blues lock Maama Vaipulu sent off for striking prone Hurricanes Poua player in the face

Saturday, 13 June 2026

Blues lock Maama Vaipulu was sent off for striking a prone Hurricanes Poua player in the face in Saturday’s Super Rugby Aupiki clash at Eden Park.

After making a tackle in the 38th minute, Vaipulu was involved in a tangle with opposing second row Brianna Wallace in a ruck.

Vaipulu was on top of Wallace when she twice landed awkwardly on her with her knees.

The 10-test Black Fern proceeded to shove her hand into Wallace’s face while she was laying on the ground.

Vaipulu was scrutinised by the TMO in the season opener and shown a yellow card for foul play by referee Erin Doherty.

Her ugly indiscretion was ruled worthy of a 20-minute red card on review and will likely lead to a ban.

Vaipulu played in the Black Ferns’ last three tests in April but wasn’t part of last year’s Rugby World Cup squad.

Her absence didn’t hinder the Blues too much. The reigning champions still won 42-7 in Auckland.