Hurricanes scrumhalf Cam Roigard has come under fire for his actions during Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Blues.
The 25-year-old was among the try-scorers as the Canes won 57-21 to set up a decider against the Chiefs, who beat the Crusaders 49-12 on Friday.
However, Roigard was the centre of an incident in the opening minutes of the clash which caused a stir.
He was accidentally taken out in the air by fellow All Black Beauden Barrett and the referee correctly awarded a penalty to the home side.
Roigard lay on the floor after the collision as players from both teams gathered around to check if he was OK.
With the referee surrounded by a clutch of players and a number of Blues players concerned for his welfare, Roigard got to his feet and took a tap penalty and set off on a run which took him all the way to the edge of the Blues 22m area.
He was eventually hauled down, but the Hurricanes went on to score through Jordie Barrett.
Roigard gets taken out
Looks hurt
Heals instantly
Taps and goes 😈 pic.twitter.com/OzDuikX0Jz
— Riaan Louw (@Ringo26) June 13, 2026
The incident left a bitter taste in some mouths with one user on social media, Chalyn.Rugby, saying: “Dear Cam Roigard, massive fan here brother but this is football stuff not our game. Shame.”
Another, Andrew McKenna, said: “Er, hang on?! Cam Roigard potentially gets taken out in the air – penalty. A couple of people are checking he’s OK, Roigard stands up and makes a 60m break from a quick tap, which the Hurricanes score from! That is going to attract a lot of attention.”
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
