Fiji Rugby Player in Trouble After Violent Assault on Biarritz Teammate
Masivesi Dakuwaqa of Biarritz Olympique PB in action during the Pro D2 match against Grenoble at Parc des Sports Aguilera on September 26, 2024, in Biarritz, France.
Fijian international Masivesi Dakuwaqa faces serious consequences after allegedly biting teammate Pierre Pagès in an altercation that left the scrum-half needing 20 stitches on his cheek.
Biarritz Olympique issued a statement on Friday night confirming that two senior players were involved in a serious incident and that an internal investigation was underway.
Initially, the club withheld the players’ identities and details of the altercation. However, French media outlet RugbyRama later revealed that Dakuwaqa was taken into police custody after violently assaulting Pagès following a night out.
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Dakuwaqa joined Biarritz after spending three seasons with Montpellier and had been performing well until January. The No.8 previously played for Western Force and Toulon and earned three caps for Fiji during their November 2021 tour.
The Fijian forward has not provided a reason for attacking his teammate, though he reportedly admitted to biting Pagès but claimed he does not remember the events of that night. A source suggests the fight arose from a financial dispute and that Pagès was hurt while attempting to separate Dakuwaqa from another player. Pagès was hospitalized, while Dakuwaqa was arrested at the scene.
The loose forward has been suspended by the club and is scheduled to appear in court in May 2025. French journalist Tanguy Scigala reports that Biarritz could terminate his contract without compensation.
Dakuwaqa (6’3, 122kg) signed a two-year deal with Biarritz in July 2024 and had drawn interest from multiple Pro D2 clubs due to his dominant performances. Meanwhile, Biarritz, after a strong start to the season, has struggled since December and now ranks 10th in Pro D2.
Biarritz’s official statement read: “Biarritz Olympique confirms that a serious incident took place outside its facilities and unrelated to any club-organized event. One of its players was involved in the altercation, while a second player attempting to intervene was violently assaulted and required medical care.
“The club takes this matter very seriously and has implemented immediate measures: An internal investigation is in progress to clarify the facts; full cooperation is being provided to authorities; and appropriate sanctions will be enforced based on the findings.
“Biarritz Olympique remains committed to upholding values of respect and integrity, both on and off the field. Out of consideration for those involved and to ensure due process, we will not be making further comments at this time.”