Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot could be facing a significant suspension, potentially sidelining him for the All Blacks.
The Highlanders suffered a narrow 15-12 loss to the Crusaders in their second-last Super Rugby Pacific match of the 2025 season, with replacement fly-half Cameron Millar missing a late penalty that could have forced extra time.
De Groot now risks missing their final fixture against the Chiefs — a match that carries only pride for Jamie Joseph’s squad — after he appeared to headbutt Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah during the first half in Christchurch.
The 26-year-old All Black was involved in a physical cleanout and, after bringing Hannah to the ground, delivered a visible headbutt.
The act drew comparisons to France hooker Peato Mauvaka’s headbutt on Scotland’s Ben White during the 2025 Six Nations, which earned a three-match ban after being cited — despite receiving only a yellow card during the game. Mauvaka’s suspension was reduced from six games due to his admission of guilt and a clean disciplinary record.
De Groot, however, may not receive such leniency. His headbutt went unnoticed by officials during the match, but if cited, his prior ban during the 2023 Rugby World Cup for a dangerous tackle could count against him.
World Rugby’s disciplinary guidelines for headbutting fall under Law 9.12, with minimum sanctions starting at four weeks and escalating to a maximum of 104 weeks depending on severity.
If De Groot receives even a low-end four-match ban, he would miss the Highlanders’ final game and all of New Zealand’s Tests against France. Without eligibility for a 50% reduction, he would be unavailable for at least one of those internationals.
On social media, reaction was swift after journalist Jamie Wall shared footage of the incident, captioned: “Nice little headbutt from Ethan de Groot on Jamie Hannah.”
One user commented, “Grub. He’s gunna cop it for that,” while another quipped, “Bakkies almost did time in jail for that same.”
