On January 30-31, 2023, the world of rugby was shaken by a disturbing incident involving Masivesi Dakuwaqa, third-line player for Biarritz Olympique, who violently attacked his teammate Pierre Pagès. During what was supposed to be a night of camaraderie, Dakuwaqa bit Pagès' face, resulting in severe injuries and leaving the rugby community reeling.
The incident occurred after several players, including Dakuwaqa and Pagès, attended a salsa party at a guinguette—an informal cafe—in Anglet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Witnesses reported tensions rising as Dakuwaqa, who admitted to having drunk excessively, became aggressive. The Fijian, known for his jovial nature on the field, was overheard breaking the window of a parked car after being advised not to drive home due to intoxication.
According to eyewitness accounts, Pagès approached Dakuwaqa to calm him down. That’s when the unexpected happened. Dakuwaqa, caught in what he described as a blackout from the alcohol, lashed out and bit Pagès on the right cheek. "Masi got up, he had blood all over his mouth, it looked like a horror movie," recounted one witness. The aftermath left Pagès with serious injuries, necessitating twenty stitches to his face.
Since the incident, Dakuwaqa, who was later taken to a police cell for his behavior, expressed feelings of shock and embarrassment over his actions. He stated, "I would like to take him in my arms, tell him: 'Forgive me!'... I am shocked by what I did, so much. I ask for your forgiveness, to you and your family." His remorse was palpable during interviews, as he recalled waking up confused and without memory of the events, asking police, "Why am I here, what did I do?" When informed he had bitten someone, he responded with disbelief: "Oh my God!"
The ramifications of Dakuwaqa's actions were immediate and severe. Biarritz Olympique announced they were terminating his contract the day after the incident, stating it rendered his continued involvement with the club impossible. Dakuwaqa now faces legal proceedings as he is due to appear before the court on May 30, 2023, facing charges of violence and damage to property.
Pagès, who has not publicly commented extensively since the incident, is left bearing not just physical scars but emotional ones. Friends and teammates have expressed their shock, as Dakuwaqa has long been seen as mild-mannered both on and off the pitch. His case evokes comparisons to shocking moments in sports history, like the infamous biting incident between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield but differs starkly as it involved teammates and friends.
The rugby world continues to ponder how such violent outbursts can emerge unexpectedly among players who share bonds of brotherhood. Dakuwaqa indicated he had recently made resolutions to abstain from drinking alcohol since he had participated in 'dry January' prior to this incident. His sudden regression raises questions about the pressures athletes face, both on the field and outside of it.
With Dakuwaqa no longer part of the Biarritz squad, the path to redemption for the former star now seems steep. Reports indicate he has vowed to his family never to drink alcohol again, emphasizing his commitment to addressing his behavior seriously after this fall from grace.
The rugby community watches closely as Dakuwaqa prepares to face the consequences of his actions, hoping for healing and justice for Pagès. This shocking turn of events serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to reflect on the responsibilities athletes carry, both as competitors and as teammates.