England players racially abused during Pumas game

England's players were racially abused during their second Test victory over Argentina in San Juan on 12 July.

England and Argentina players during the match in San Juan
England recovered from 17-14 adrift to beat Argentina in the second Test in San Juan [Getty Images]

England's players were racially abused during their second Test victory over Argentina in San Juan on 12 July.

Team officials lodged a complaint to governing body World Rugby over the incident that occurred when the visitors' replacements were warming up in the first half.

England's seven replacements for the match were Curtis Langdon, Beven Rodd, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Chandler Cunningham-South, Guy Pepper, Alex Dombrandt, Jack van Poortvliet and Cadan Murley.

"While it is clear that an incident took place, we regret that the individuals responsible could not be identified," said World Rugby, adding their investigation included witness statements and video analysis.

"Intense efforts were made to identify the small group of five or seven individuals responsible within a crowd of over 20,000 spectators," said Gabriel Travaglini, president of the Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR).

"Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive search, it was not possible to identify the perpetrators.

"We strongly condemn all acts of racism and stand in solidarity with the England rugby players who felt aggrieved."

He added that the UAR would work with World Rugby to educate fans.

There have been several recent high-profile cases of discriminatory behaviour in Argentine sport.

In 2020, Pablo Matera and Guido Petti, both of whom played in the match in San Juan, were suspended from the team after racist remarks they had made on social media several years earlier were unearthed.

In 2024, Chelsea footballer Enzo Fernandez apologised to team-mates after being filmed joining in with a chant that questioned the heritage of France's black and mixed race players.

"Rugby completely condemns discriminatory behaviour of any kind," said World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson.

"We offer our full support to the players involved and want them to know that rugby stands with them in opposing racism. I applaud their courage in raising what must have been a highly distressing experience."

England beat the United States 40-5 in Washington DC on Saturday to ensure a clean sweep of three wins from three matches on their summer tour.

Category: General Sports